This 15-song set kicks off a projected 4-volume series issuing the complete 1936-1938 duet recordings of future bluegrass founder Bill Monroe and his guitarist brother, Charlie. Volume 1 captures the duo when, as an o... more »bscure regional act, they were still feeling their way musically. Nonetheless, they nailed their first popular record, the eerily moralistic gospel number "What Would You Give in Exchange?" on their first session. This collection of 1936 material also includes their bestselling recordings of "New River Train," "This World Is Not My Home," "Drifting Too Far from the Shore," and "Roll On Buddy," which helped make those songs standards in the years before World War II. The Monroes' flair for synthesis was particularly outstanding because their repertoire blended material they'd heard in church or on records, discovered in shape-note hymnbooks, or appropriated from the repertoire of their favorite band, the Prairie Ramblers. While Bill's bluegrass concepts were still fermenting during these years, he built his future on the solid, successful foundation of his work with Charlie. --Rich Kienzle« less
This 15-song set kicks off a projected 4-volume series issuing the complete 1936-1938 duet recordings of future bluegrass founder Bill Monroe and his guitarist brother, Charlie. Volume 1 captures the duo when, as an obscure regional act, they were still feeling their way musically. Nonetheless, they nailed their first popular record, the eerily moralistic gospel number "What Would You Give in Exchange?" on their first session. This collection of 1936 material also includes their bestselling recordings of "New River Train," "This World Is Not My Home," "Drifting Too Far from the Shore," and "Roll On Buddy," which helped make those songs standards in the years before World War II. The Monroes' flair for synthesis was particularly outstanding because their repertoire blended material they'd heard in church or on records, discovered in shape-note hymnbooks, or appropriated from the repertoire of their favorite band, the Prairie Ramblers. While Bill's bluegrass concepts were still fermenting during these years, he built his future on the solid, successful foundation of his work with Charlie. --Rich Kienzle
CD Reviews
Available at last!
06/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're familiar with this music, you don't need me to tell you how stunningly great it is. If you're not, and you're the least bit inclined towards bluegrass or old-time country, this CD will change your life. The Monroe Brothers inspired and influenced virtually everyone who came after them, and the quality of their harmonies and musicianship has never been surpassed. The remastered sound is terrific too. This is the first volume in a projected four-volume series - may the other three come quickly!"
Important and influential recordings available at last!
Robert Meador | New York, NY United States | 07/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This forthcoming 4-volume set has been long awaited, and it is thrilling to finally have this material available on CD. Many know how influential Bill Monroe and bluegrass music has subsequently been, but this material was equally influential on country music in the late 30s. Many of the stars of country grew up listening to and being inspired by these recordings. It's easy to see why-- just listen to the combination of Bill Monroe's blistering mandolin work (which single-handedly rescued the mandolin from increasing obscurity) and the unearthly and haunting quality of the harmonies. Few other brother acts of the time made music as unforgettable as this. To use one of Bill Monroe's favorite expressions, this is 'powerful' stuff!"
Classic American Music
Benjamin Crowe | 06/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the starting points for American Music of the 20th century.The interplay between these two brothers is outstanding.It's like Bob Dylan once said there's probably nothing I'd rather listen to then the Monroe Brothers.I strongly urge real music fans to buy this and all subsequent volumes if they are interested in something that really endures."
Wonderful brother duet
copper | 06/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It was good to hear that these early recordings of Bill and Charlie Monroe are now available on CD. They were only be released on vinyl and CD in Japan some years ago. Now you have here the beginning of a career that began in the 30s and lasts until the 90s. The Monroe Brothers are fine example of early country music. You can also find wonderful gospel music. Highly recommended for every fan of the Monroe Brothers and the sharp tenor vocal of Bill Monroe."
A MUST HAVE!!
Benjamin Crowe | Utah | 10/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're at all a fan of folk music, bluegrass, or early country - and if you have any appreciation for the Monroe Bros.' achievement in music - you need this album. Rounder has done us all a great service by remastering and rereleasing these seminal cuts from the late 1930's. This is volume 1 of a 2 volume set - which will hopefully include other volumes in future. This volume includes some of the most important songs ever recorded in the "brother duet" genre - "What Would You Give?", "What Is Home Without Love?", and "Drifting Too Far from the Shore" are my personal favorites - but literally every single track is good. Fans of Bill Monroe's later work will recognize some of these tunes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1