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When you say the words "Kentucky Colonels," guitar freaks hear "Clarence White." White's reputation as a virtuoso flat-picker is well deserved; he blended the classic bluegrass rhythm-guitar sound with Doc Watson's revolutionary fiddle-derived technique and elements of jazz to marvelous effect. But the Colonels were a versatile group filled with talented pickers and singers like Clarence's brother Roland on mandolin, banjo picker Billy Ray Lathum, and bassist Roger Bush. This set, recorded at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival, showcases this versatility: there are traditional, straightahead bluegrass and exquisite four-part gospel harmonies (featuring spot-on rhythm work from Clarence White); four cuts supporting banjo maestro Bill Keith; and two brother-harmony duets with Clarence and Roland. The album's centerpiece, however, is the six amazing guitar exhibitions with White and Watson that will certainly satiate the aforementioned guitar freaks. Another live collection, Livin' in the Past, focuses a bit more intently on White's guitar work, but this record puts the Kentucky Colonels as a unit in perspective. --Marc Greilsamer