Various Artists - Radio Series Vol. 6

(Wango CD-126) 2005

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This sixth volume of the 'Radio Series' includes two more excerpts from the Dec. 1963 live Christmas party at 'Johnny's Used Cars'. The Stanley's had been booked to record a series of radio programs for Ray Davis the week before, and the live on-air show took place on the afternoon of Sat. 14th, prior to the recording of the first John's Gospel Quartet LP.

As with the other shows, Carter was suffering from laryngitis, and is limited to guitar on these two sessions. Consequently George Shuffler is called on to sing lead on How Mountain Girls Can Love and On Top Of Old Smoky. Henry Dockery also sings Mountain Dew and Ralph does the emcee work and sings Little Birdie.

The second Stanley set on the disc is a selection of gospel tunes, introduced by Ray Davis' as 'Country Hymn Time' and again features Ralph, Henry Dockery and George Shuffler covering for Carter's lack of vocals.

Another portion from the Stanley's Christmas show can be found on the Radio Series, Vol. 5.

The remainder of the CD includes more fine bluegrass recordings by the Warrior River Boys, Danny Paisley and Gillis Brothers, from sessions at Ray Davis' basement studios.

Thanks again to Chris Wing for the loan of this one!

• Carter Stanley: guitar, vocals
• Ralph Stanley: banjo, vocals
• Henry Dockery: bass
• George Shuffler: lead guitar

For a detailed breakdown and background to the Stanley's session, check Gary B. Reid's The Music Of The Stanley Brothers book, pages 174 and 209.

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