The Goins Brothers - Family Reunion Album

(River Track Studios RTS 1686) 1992

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This is another rare cassette, but is probably only of interest to Goins Brothers completists. As the title suggests, this release sees Melvin and Ray joined by younger brothers Conley, Harold and James, who'd previously recorded two gospel harmony albums as "The Goins Brothers: Second Edition".

The performances are generally a bit lack lustre, with patchy lead vocals. I'll Fly Away, Wait A Little Longer Please Jesus, I Saw The Light and an instrumental version of When The Saints Go Marching In, all feature a piano which just doesn't sit well with the regular mandolin - fiddle - banjo - guitar backing...

Amazing Grace and Cheaters Bushell are mostly close gospel harmony pieces with a little piano, with Melvin doing a recitation on the latter.

Crying Holy is one of the better tracks which features Melvin on lead vocal throughout.

Thanks to Richard Thompson for the missing catalogue details. If anyone has a better scan of the cover for this one please get in touch via the Contact page... Thanks!

• Melvin Goins: guitar
• Ray Goins: banjo
• Conley Goins: bass ?
• Harold Goins: guitar/banjo ?
• James Goins: bass ?

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