|
|
Clinch Mountain Express Newsletter Review
Jeffery Fox, Editor
It's always a joy to hear Ralph singing with his country music friends. One of our favorites is singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale, a frequent visitor to Ralph's annual Hills of Home
Festival. Jim wrote half of the songs on this recording, including the excellent title track, "Joy, Joy, Joy" which is a delightfully simple and simply delightful little
tune. The hard-driving "I will Wait For You" is another highlight. The gospel songs Jim wrote and recorded with Ralph ("Like Him" and "Another Sinner's
Prayer") make for fascinating listening. These are brand new songs but very much in the Stanley tradition. The old standards included ("Maple on the Hill",
"Harbor of Love" and "What About You?") are done up in an exceptionally strong and spirited style. We especially enjoyed Jim and Ralph's rendition of "This
World is Not My Home". They really do a great job singing this one! Like us, you'll find yourself singing along. The CD was recorded at the familiar Maggard Sound
Studio at Big Stone Gap, Virginia. The sound is excellent throughout. Jim and Ralph are backed up by all the Clinch Mountain Boys: Jack Cooke, James Shelton, Ralph Stanley II,
and James Price. A special treat is an appearance by former Clinch Mountain Boy, Steve Sparkman. Steve's fans, as well as Ralph's fans and Jim Lauderdale's fans will want to be
sure to add this recording to their collection. The recording can be purchased at the record table at any of Ralph's shows or ordered from Rebel Records, P.O. Box 7405, Charlottsville,
VA 22906.
|
