Jim & Jesse McReynolds have always had their own take on the
bluegrass tradition. Like their contemporaries
the Osborne Brothers, they've always pushed the envelope of the mainstream while never completely losing their aura of old-time traditionalism. This album will change all that. Teaming up with the stage band from
the Grand Ole Opry, the
McReynolds brothers deliver a program of classic
honky tonk country music, complete with steel guitar and Telecaster accompaniment. (Interestingly, the band uses an upright instead of an electric bass -- an ironic twist, given that
Jim & Jesse use an electric instrument in their
bluegrass ensemble.) The songs are mostly well selected -- there are a couple of great tunes from the
Buck Owens catalog ("Foolin' Around," "Til These Dreams Come True"), a
Mel Tillis chestnut ("Heart Over Mind"), and others from
Roger Miller and
Don Gibson, not to mention a few
McReynolds originals played in that 1950s
country-shuffle style. There's only one misstep (the inexcusably smarmy "Lovin' Machine"); for the most part, this is a completely charming album that may leave hardcore
bluegrass fans cold but will appeal greatly to fans of pre-'70s
country. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
