Search - Jim & Jesse :: Old Domination Masters

With over 50 years of performing experience under their belts, the McReynolds Brothers are one of the most recognized acts in bluegrass. Unhappy with the artistic demands of the majors, the brothers founded their Old Dominion label in 1972, one of the first independent labels in bluegrass, and Pinecastle Records' four-CD box set chronicles their first eight Old Dominion releases from the 1970s. The pure harmonies plus the solid guitar work of Jim and the mandolin cross-picking of Jesse are why the duo has endured and are on display here in abundance. The soul-stirring standards of disc 2, which draws from two gospel albums, mark a highlight of this collection, especially a head-popping "Jacob's Ladder." Disc 4 comes mostly from their Live in Japan album and features instrumental standouts such as "Heartbreak Mountain" and "Border Ride," along with a Jim and Jesse original, "Diesel Train," taken from an Alabama radio show, a tune that perfectly exemplifies their homeland harmony. --Andrew Scales