Search - Flatt & Scruggs :: Town & Country / Changin Times

Some Of The First "Progressive" Bluegrass

William D. Ferrell | Poca, WV United States | 03/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, Ok, I know I'm going to make enemies of lots of died in the wool traditional Bluegrass fans, but before you pick up too many tomatoes to throw at me, let me first say, I love that traditional Bluegrass as much as the next guy, but I also love what was happening here. The truth is, this music was opening the doors for some of the groups we've come to know and love over the years... Seldom Scene, J.D. Crowe & the New South, Alison Krauss & Union Station... just listen to the style as Flatt & Scruggs mix Bluegrass with songs from the pen of Dylan and other comtemparary writers of the late 1960's, and I for one love the harmonica, and drums in these recordings. To sum up what I just said, I think Bluegrass, like Country, has room for more than one style of music, and I think this is just one wonderful style of the early progressive movement in Bluegrass.

Now with that said, let's hit some of the high points of this CD.

First there is the classic "Foggy Mountain Breakdown".. always a favorite, then there is the song that was a hit for Dean Martin, Housten, which Lester does a fantastic job on.

As a child, I thought Flatt & Scruggs were the originals on "Memphis", and as far as I'm concerned, this is still the best version.

Some other hi-lites of this CD that have me cranking the volume in the van as I drive down the road are "Down In The Flood", "Mr Tambourine Man", "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright", "Foggy Mountain Breakdown", "Nashiville Blues", "Kansas City" and "Take Me Back To Tulsa".

Of corse, I have to appreciate "The Last Public Hanging In West Virginia", being that I live only 35 miles from Ripley (the town that this true story is taken from).

In short, if you don't know anything about Flatt & Scruggs, this is not the CD to buy. Get the two CD "Tis Sweet To Be Remembered" set or the "Mercury Sessions", but if you already know their music (or think you do), buy this collection. I think once you get past the "traditionalist" syndrome, you'll love this CD.

I know I do. Buy and Enjoy."