Bill Monroe - The Early Years

Featuring an excellent cross section of tracks from the definitive 1945-1949 period, The Early Years charts Bill Monroe's evolving sound through Western swing-influenced pieces, waltzes, blues, spirituals, ballads, and instrumentals. Though there are definitely far more comprehensive collections on the market, and the tracks here aren't particularly rare, The Early Tapes does a good job of representing Monroe's early recordings, the inclusion of Flatt & Scruggs, and the period following their departure. The material included is first rate, with "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "Toy Heart," and the sharp "Blue Grass Breakdown" among the 14 tracks included. Good liner notes also make this an excellent introductory collection. ~ Matt Fink, All Music Guide

Name Credits Bill Monroe Mandolin, Vocals, Tenor (Vocal) Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass Boys Performer Bill Westbrook String Bass Birch Monroe Bass (Vocal) Captain Jeff Zaraya Engineer Chubby Wise Fiddle David Akeman Banjo Earl Scruggs Baritone (Vocal), Banjo Howard Watts Bass (Vocal), String Bass Jack Thompson String Bass Kathrin Cipcich Package Design Lester Flatt Vocals, Guitar Mac Wiseman Guitar Nick Shaffran Compilation Producer Rudy Lyle Banjo Samuel Charters Liner Notes Tex Willis Guitar