The Goins Brothers - Run Satan, Run

(Hay Holler HH-CD-1338) 1997

---

Pretty much every Goins Brothers' album I've heard is a solid helping of straight-ahead, undiluted traditional bluegrass, and this gospel set is no exception. The album is notable for it's guest appearances - featuring Ralph Stanley singing lead on three cuts (City That Lies Four Square, Drinking From The Fountain and Saviour, Take Me Home); and former CMB, Larry Sparks singing lead on two (What Would You Give (In Exchange For Your Soul and Lonely Tombs)) plus lead guitar on Church In The Wildwood. Art Stamper likewise guests on fiddle on Church In The Wildwood, City That Lies Four Square, Drinking From The Fountain and Saviour, Take Me Home.

At times, the vocals are a bit off on some of the other numbers, but then this is bluegrass with the 'bark' still left on. Instrumentation is good though as is the sound quality / mix.

The Goins Brothers had previously cut City That Lies Four Square (also with Art Stamper) on their 1972 In The Head Of The Holler LP.

This was the last album to be issued as The Goins Brothers, as Ray went into semi-retirement in 1997.

• Melvin Goins: guitar, vocals
• Ray Goins: banjo, vocals
• Dave Bowling: bass
• Buddy Griffin: fiddle
• John Keith: mandolin
• John McNeely: guitar, vocal
• Larry Sparks: vocal (a)
• Art Stamper: fiddle
• Ralph Stanley: vocal (b)
• Dave Vanderpool: banjo

NB: (a) Larry sings on (6) and (11) and plays lead/rhythm guitar on (4). (b) Ralph sings lead on (5), (10) and (13). As the musician line-up is quite extensive on this CD, refer to the CD inner tray image for the full details!

Other artwork / related images: