The old style clawhammer banjo pieces that Ralph Stanley picks on occasion these days have always been a highlight of Dr. Ralph's stage shows, and over his long career he has recorded just enough of them to fill out this wonderful collection of 18 tunes, some of them with vocals. Any of his many fans who have seen him in person will be familiar with LITTLE BIRDIE and perhaps SHOUT LITTLE LULIE and OLD TIME PICKIN', but this new budget CD also includes 9 numbers that were never previously on compact disc, including BLACK EYED SUSIE, MARRIED LIFE BLUES, SHADY GROVE, CRIPPLE CREEK, KENTUCKY SHINE and BATTLE AX . It's a real treat to hear all these lively tunes that were recorded over a 30-year span ! (1971 to 2001). There are fine notes here by Eddie Dean, and full personnel data on this wonderful, budget priced album
