Dr Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys

Ralph Stanley II

Pretty Girls, City Lights

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Clinch Mountain Express Newsletter Review

Jeffery Fox, Editor

Ralph Stanley II's new release on Rebel Records, "Pretty Girls, City Lights", is pending its formal release as this issue of The Clinch Mountain Express goes to press. The anticipated official release date is 18 April. We had the good fortune of previewing this project. It was good to see Ralph II at the Events Center in Coeburn Virginia and finally get a preview copy of this outstanding new CD. This is Ralph II's second solo release. Joining him, besides his Dad (tenor and banjo), are fellow Clinch Mountain Boys Jack Cooke (bass), James Alan Shelton (guitar) and James Price (fiddle). Also lending a hand are John Rigsby (mandolin and fiddle) and Junior Blankenship (guitar). Special guest Russell Moore (of IIIrd Tyme Out) appears on the song, "Sea of Regret", singing high baritone. Ralph II and James Price each penned a song on the CD: "I'll Remember You In My Dreams" and "It Sure Gets Cold This Time of Year". Ralph Stanley wrote the title cut.

All Tracks are a joy to hear. "Home in the Mountains" is done up well and getting a lot of air play. So is the title song. "Sea of Regret" and "Pathway of Danger" are outstanding and have been getting requests at recent appearances by Ralph and the Boys. We'd have to say that our personal favorite is Ralph II's exceptionally impressive cover of the old classic, "It's Raining Here This Morning". He will make you forget every previous rendition of this song you've ever heard! As usual, all the Clinch Mountain Boys put in polished instrumental and background vocal performances. Jack Cooke's spirited bass is a real addition to the recording.

It's been a joy to watch Ralph II's progress as lead vocalist with the Clinch Mountain Boys since he was about 16 years old. In the past few years he's progressed into an accomplished vocalist and could be equally at home on the country or the bluegrass stage. Personally, we hope he continues to stick with bluegrass and old time mountain music. Carter would be proud of the job he's doing in the lead vocalist spot! Be sure to stop by the record table to purchase your copy. And don't forget to call in requests for your favorite tracks to your local country of bluegrass radio station!