Traditional bluegrass energy, spirit and exuberance
J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 05/25/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Playing Time - 25:12 --
Song Listing: 1)Kentucky Sweetheart (Carl Jackson/Tony King), 2)Snowing in Dixie (James Monroe), 3) Follow (Paul Craft/Kent Robbins), 4)Georgia Peaches (Carl Jackson/Alan Laney), 5)Train 45 (arr. James Monroe), 6)Keepin' it in the Family (Tom T. Hall/Dixie Hall), 7)The Way I Am (Sonny Throckmorton), 8)Glorybound Train (Bill Monroe/James Monroe), 9)With Body and Soul (Virginia Stauffer), 10)Rolling on Down the Line (James Monroe)
From Kentucky, the son of Bill Monroe stays true to the traditional bluegrass sound and form. James Monroe began his musical career as bass player for the Blue Grass Boys in 1964. He then became a lead singer and guitarist in 1969, forming his own band, The Midnight Ramblers, in 1971. At present, the younger Monroe also organizes The Bill Monroe Memorial Day Weekend in Rosine, Kentucky, as well as his annual James Monroe and the Midnight Ramblers Bluegrass Festival in September.
James Monroe's latest release includes three originals (Snowing in Dixie, Glorybound Train, Rolling On Down The Line) plus material penned by Carl Jackson, Paul Craft, Tom T. and Dixie Hall, Sonny Thocmorton, Virginia Stouffer and Bill Monroe. "Snowing In Dixie" is a ¾-time nostalgic statement of longing for Georgia. Monroe paints an analogous picture of southern girls and sweet fruit in "Georgia Peaches." Tom T. and Dixie Hall contribute a lighthearted and bouncy "Keep it in the Family." The title track, "The Way I Am," is a call to remain optimistic and happy, while still accepting reality and one's position in life. The instrumental "Train 45" really cooks. James Monroe is backed by Jim Buchanan, Buddy Spicher, Charlie Cushman, Mike Compton, Billy Linnamon, and Alan Phelps. Lead vocals by Monroe are harmonized with by Kathy Chiavola and Alan O'Bryant.
The album is full of traditional bluegrass energy, spirit and exuberance. I especially liked the strong emphasis of the twin fiddles, a foundation of the Monroe sound. At a total play of 25:12 and with only ten tracks, however, some might feel it's a tad bit short. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
