Ralph Stanley II has some big shoes to fill: his father is one of the most respected and accomplished musicians in bluegrass, and his uncle, Carter, was the lead-vocal counterpoint to the elder Ralph's mountain tenor in th... more »e legendary Stanley Brothers. Listen to My Hammer Ring shows that Stanley the younger is ably carrying on his family's legacy of traditional bluegrass. Playing rhythm guitar and singing lead vocals (Carter's old role) with his father's Clinch Mountain Boys since he was 14 years old, Ralph Stanley II looks like he's being groomed to take over the family business. The father-son duo team up on over half of the album's 12 songs, many of them (older) Stanley originals, which cover the familiar ground of lost love, faith, trains, and good-old mountain dew. --Andrew Scales« less
Ralph Stanley II has some big shoes to fill: his father is one of the most respected and accomplished musicians in bluegrass, and his uncle, Carter, was the lead-vocal counterpoint to the elder Ralph's mountain tenor in the legendary Stanley Brothers. Listen to My Hammer Ring shows that Stanley the younger is ably carrying on his family's legacy of traditional bluegrass. Playing rhythm guitar and singing lead vocals (Carter's old role) with his father's Clinch Mountain Boys since he was 14 years old, Ralph Stanley II looks like he's being groomed to take over the family business. The father-son duo team up on over half of the album's 12 songs, many of them (older) Stanley originals, which cover the familiar ground of lost love, faith, trains, and good-old mountain dew. --Andrew Scales
Bridget S. (Vassar) from PLYMOUTH, IN Reviewed on 11/12/2009...
For all those Ralph Stanley fans out there, you sure wont be dissapointed by this recording. The tunes are for the most part Stanley originals, with the original Ralph helping II with the vocals. Great hard-driving bluegrass.
CD Reviews
Ralph II is a very fine young man, Bluegrass all the way
03/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ive been to several festivals in the area, where Ralph and his dad have played. Ralph II has come to our campsite and played music with us. He sang Mary Mary Christmas long before he recorded it . He is a very respectful man, well mannered, and loves music. I think the CD is great and will probobly see you this summer Ralph."
Listen To My Hammer Ring
Stacy Meyer | Edmonton Ky. USA | 12/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was visiting my mother in Ky,and she took me to see Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountains Boys,in Tompkinsville Ky.It was a great night of bluegrass... I bought Listen To My Hammer Ring that night, and think it is just beautiful.I hope that Ralph Stanly II will continue to produce bluegrass music. Keep Up The Wonderful Work! Stacy"
PHENOMENAL
Stacy Meyer | 03/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"EXCELLENT SOUND AND ARRANGMENT. MARY MERRY CHRISTMAS IS UNBELIEVABLE A #1 HIT. II KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK."