Search - Del McCoury :: Classic Bluegrass

Between his short stint with Bill Monroe in the early 1960s and his popular (for bluegrass) resurgence in the 1990s, Del McCoury spent nearly 20 years fronting his Dixie Pals. This 18-song collection comes from four sessions recorded between 1974 and 1984, featuring three different incarnations of the Pals, and it features many of the aspects that have become McCoury trademarks: forceful rhythm-guitar licks, crisp vocal harmonies, interesting song selection, and, of course, one of the most distinctive tenor voices in the genre's history. The material here includes traditional folk songs, Bill Monroe favorites, gospel chestnuts, two songs from old-time banjoist Ola Belle Reed, country classics from Fred Rose and Harlan Howard, a Delmore Brothers cover, a roaring modern instrumental from J.D. Crowe, and a few substantial originals. All receive McCoury's soulful, soaring, steeped-in-tradition stamp. --Marc Greilsamer