Ralph II Stanley - Carrying On

(Rebel REB-CD-1805) 2004

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Ralph II's fourth 'solo' CD is another fairly decent effort, with seven songs drawn from Ralph Stanley / Stanley Brothers repertoire, and five new compositions including a Tom T. & Dixie Hall co-write with Billy Smith called Welcoming Tomb, which is one of the albums best cuts.

Once again fellow CMB's John Rigsby, Steve Sparkman, and James Alan Shelton provide backing, with guest spots by Junior Blankenship and Dr. Ralph and other well known 'bluegrass' names here and there.

Of the 'new' songs, four are co-written by Ralph II. You Will Never Be Mine and I Am The Way I Am with Junior Blankenship; the instrumental Arizona Line with James Alan Shelton; and Carrying On, an ode to the Stanley's co-credited to Bill Castle and Kathy Gooding.

• Ralph II Stanley: rhythm guitar, vocals (a)
• Tim Crouch: fiddle
• John Rigsby: mandolin
• RJ 'Ron' Rigsby: high-strung guitar (b)
• James Alan Shelton: lead / rhythm guitar
• David Smith: bass
• Steve Sparkman: banjo

NB: (a) Ralph II plays lead guitar in (4); (b) RJ 'Ron' Rigsby plays banjo on (5). Ralph Stanley sings tenor on (6) and (7). Junior Blankenship plays guitar on (11). Lona Heins high-baritone on (5) and (7). Kenny Smith lead guitar on (6). Josh Williams mandolin on (6) and Dave Roe bass on (6).

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