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The Stanley Brothers - Stanley Series, Vol. 2 No. 4

(Copper Creek CCSS-V2N4) 1986

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This is another excellent live show in the 'Stanley Series' with a set from the Ash Grove club in Hollywood, Ca. According to the liner notes the Stanleys were booked into the venue for about a two week period, up to 16th September 1962, and this show was from near the start of the run on 30th Aug 1962. The CMB's at the time included Vernon Derrick on fiddle and Curley Lambert on mandolin, with Roger Bush (Country Boys / Kentucky Colonels) filling in on bass.

What makes this show stand out, is Carter effectively turns it the second half of it into a tribute to Bill Monroe and the Monroe Brothers, with all the tracks on side two (excluding the closing theme) being from the Monroe catalogue.

Particularly notable are renditions of True Life Blues and Sugar Coated Love (one of the tracks Carter sang lead on when he recorded with Bill Monroe as a Blue Grass Boy in 1951).

The album artwork reproduces a review in 'Variety' from Sept. 1962 which says:- "In their initial engagement at this Coast outpost for itinerant pickers 'n' singers, the Stanley Bros. and their Bluegrass Band impress with their disarmingly casual and fun-loving style - a flair for unpretentious showmanship formidably supported by expert musicianship in the country vein..."

The show was recorded by Brooks Otis Adams. A version of Cluck Old Hen from this show can also be found on The Legendary Stanley Brothers Recorded Live, Vol. 1.

• Carter Stanley: guitar, vocal
• Ralph Stanley: banjo, vocal
• Vernon Derrick: fiddle
• Curley Lambert: mandolin
• Roger Bush: bass

For more detailed breakdown and background to the show, check Gary B. Reid's The Music Of The Stanley Brothers book, pages 52-55, 135 and 163-164.