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Ralph II Stanley - This One Is II

(Lonesome Day LDR-013) 2008.

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Ralph II's fifth 'solo' CD is a neat country release featuring a stellar cast of musicians and harmony backing vocals.

As the title suggests, the album marks a departure from II's previous works with none of the usual 'clinch mountain' Stanley sound. Ralph II's vocals are well suited to the country style. Production is slick, and much of the material is drawn from country artists with Garth Brooks' Cold Shoulder, Lyle Lovett' L.A. County, Townes Van Zandt's Loretta plus Elton John's Georgia and Tom T. Hall's catchy Train Songs.

Of particular note is a cover of Canadian alt-country artist's Fred Eaglesmith's Carter, about Carter Stanley, which Fred recorded on his '50 Odd Dollars' album (Razor & Tie 7930182843-2) 1999.

Another track, Moms Are The Reason Wild Flowers Grow, was written by bluegrasser Elmer Burchett, who's father used to play with Ricky Skaggs' parents...

Overall this is probably my favourite of Ralph II's albums to date.

• Ralph II Stanley: rhythm guitar, vocals
• Dale Ann Bradley: harmony vocals
• Tim Crouch: fiddle, guitar
• Steve Gulley: harmony vocals
• Cody Kilby: guitar
• Randy Kohrs: resophonic guitar
• Jim Lauderdale: harmony vocals
• Harold Nixon: bass
• Marty Raybon: harmony vocals
• Adam Steffey: mandolin
• Ron Stewart: banjo
• Darren Vincent: harmony vocals