John Rigsby - Forks Of The Ivy

(Hay Holler HH-CD-1350) 2000

This album was recorded in late 1999 at River Track studios in Louisa, Ky. Described by John Rigsby as "a sort of tribute to my favorite singers" the material is largely drawn from the likes of The Sloas Brothers, Charlie Monroe and a 1973 Charlie Moore tribute to Clyde Moody.

I reckon the best 'bluegrass' music is timeless, and this album is definitely up there in the top drawer. Although Rigsby was only 25 when it was recorded, it has a depth of feeling to it that eludes many performers. I suppose it shouldn't come as a surprise given that John learnt the nuances of the fiddle from The Sloas Brothers^[1], or that he grew up in the Sandy Hook/Isonville area of Kentucky...

The album features two Sloas Brothers numbers: Queen Of The Bar originally from The Sloas Brothers 'I'm Going Home Again' (REM LP-1023) 1967 LP and Struttin' Rooster which is performed as a fiddle/banjo number with the late Kenny Sloas.^[2]

Charlie Monroe also appears to have been a big influence, as four numbers are taken from his repertoire: Red Rocking Chair, Crying Heart Blues, Walking With You In My Dreams and Weep And Cry. Ralph also later cut Walking With You In My Dreams with Ralph II on Side By Side, no doubt influenced by John. (He also suggested Ralph record the Sloas' Loving Grace Of God on My All And All.)

Charlie Moore's 'A Tribute To Clyde Moody' (Old Homestead OHS-90033) 1973 also seems to have been influential, as four songs (I'll Still Be Around If You Need Me, Leaf Of Love, Jealous Heart, and Whispering Pine) are featured on both albums.

There are also two wonderfully rustic sounding a cappella songs, featuring John's cousin Don Rigsby. Mother Dear At Home is simply spell-binding, whilst Up Haste To Calvary, lined by Elder Jerry Brown would make Ralph proud.^[3]

The title cut, Forks Of The Ivy is a catchy original by John, performed as a fiddle/banjo duet, with Kenny Sloas on clawhammer.

Most tracks are backed by John McNeely, Jason Hale and the late Dale Vanderpool, who were in the Goins Brothers / Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain band at the time with John.

Nowadays this album isn't too easy to find, but it's definitely worth picking up if you're lucky enough to find a copy!

John Rigsby: mandolin, fiddle, vocals
David Bowling: bass (a)
Elder Jerry Brown: lining out vocal (b)
Jason Hale: bass (c)
John McNeely: guitar (d)
Don Rigsby: vocal (e)
Kenny Sloas: banjo (f)
Dale Vanderpool: banjo (g)

(a) bass on (1), (9) and (14)
(b) lining out and lead vocal on (16)
(c) bass on all tracks except (1), (4), (7), (9), (13), (14) and (16)
(d) guitar on all tracks except (4), (7), (13) and (16)
(e) vocal on (7) and (16)
(f) banjo on (4) and (13)
(g) banjo on all tracks except (4), (7), (13) and (16)

Track:	Title:
CD:	(45:23)
1	Red Rocking Chair
	Charlie Monroe
2	Crying Fool
	Walter Adams
3	I'll Still Be Around If You Need Me
	P.D.
4	Forks Of The Ivy
	John Rigsby
5	Crying Heart Blues
	Charlie Monroe
6	Walking With You In My Dreams
	Charlie Monroe
7	Mother Dear At Home
	P.D.
8	Leaf Of Love
	Bob Newman / James Williams Walker
9	Black Mountain Blues
	Leslie Keith
10	Jealous Heart
	P.D.
11	Queen Of The Bar
	Lonnie Nipper / John Sloas
12	Farewell Billy Dear
	P.D.
13	Struttin' Rooster
	Lonnie Nipper/John Sloas
14	Weep And Cry
	P.D.
15	Whispering Pine
	Clyde Moody
16	Up Haste To Calvary
	P.D. arr. John Rigsby / Jerry Brown

^{[1] Gary B. Reid's liner notes to Ralph Stanley II & John Rigsby - 'Clinch Mountain Echo' (Copper Creek CCCD-0151) 1996.

[2] I'm don't know the release details, but the Sloas Brothers version can be found on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77uWH1G9r_0

[3] Elder Jerry Brown is also on Vision Of A Golden Crown on Don Rigsby's A Vision CD.}