"There have been countless imitators of the Hank Williams' sound. But none, absolutely none, come close to the excellence of Vernon Oxford.......which might explain why "Country Music" Radio has forgotten him. There are 5 superb CD's in this box set, and there's not a bad song in the bunch. Vernon has been rightly accused of sounding like Hank Williams, not unlike Frankie Miller. But, I'll go a step further and say that Vernon was not copying/imitating Hank, but rather sounded much like a mixture of Hank Williams and Jimmy Martin (minus the Bluegrass). If I had to characterize his music, it is safe to say it is the Hank Williams' style of the early-50's mixed with the swinging honky-tonk of the early 1960's. Very unique sound that is relentless from the 1st track on CD1 to the last track of CD5. The sound and mixing are superb; well, what else would you expect from a Bear Family release? A huge book is included covering not only Oxford's true country (Ozark) upbringing, but also a detailed discography. Vernon was truly too Country for Country (as Dale Watson would say), which means you should make owning this box set your life's ambition. I can honestly say that out of the hundreds and hundreds of CD's, LP's, 78's, and Cassettes that I've somehow accumulated, that this Box Set is definately among the top 5, and it belongs in every (EVERY) country music lover's collection. If country music were only still this authentic! A+++++++"
Best Pure Country Compilation
Larry Risse | Las Vegas, Nevada USA | 09/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like country music, you have to own this five CD set. I have owned the set for over a year and each listening is like the first time. Vernon puts so much feeling into the songs it is hard to believe that he never had the success that he deserves. At least five stars. Give it a listen and you won't be disappointed."
Keeper of the Flame by Vernon Oxford
L. Hair | Heart of Texas | 11/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vernon Oxford has the sound of Hank Williams and we really enjoy his songs. We specially like his religious songs."
A Country Music Masterpiece!
C. Jandreau | Kennebunk, Me | 02/25/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is another masterpiece released by the Bear Family. The music of Vernon Oxford articules the country feel and sound. Many artists came short of reaching the sound that brings tears to your eyes while making you think about this nation's struggle with poverty. His gospel songs are heart wrenching and move his listener to higher ground.
This set includes all his music with the many different studios he worked with. Many of his albums are ultra rare and to find in good condition would be high priced. This set combines his work in chronological order. Anyone who has a real adimiration for country music would find themselves listening to this incredible set as if it were taking the daily bread. The sound quality and the book about Vernon's life are testimony to the quailty that the Bear Family produces."
Track Listings (31) - Disc #1
