What Are You Listening To - April, 2024

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kcghost

Lifer
May 6, 2011
13,541
22,128
77
Olathe, Kansas
Listening to arguably the second generation's greatest Bluegrass picker: Ricky Skaggs on the "Soldier of the Cross" CD. Ricky really reaches new heights with this recording. His band, The Kentucky Thunder was top notch and Ricky was superb on the mandolin and vocals. Ricky first appeared on stage with Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs as a 7-year-old and his own with the pros. Here he makes a dramatic entrance with the title cut and a cameo appearance by Billy Graham on "Are You Afraid to Die" is absolutely riveting. I never thought much of these evangelical preachers but man I was ready to take on the world if he's leading the way. I happen to like the Bill Monroe number "A Voice from on High".

"
I hear a voice callin' it must be our Lord
It's comin' from heaven on high
I hear a voice callin' I've gained a reward
In the land where we never shall die"


Soldier of the Cross
 

kcghost

Lifer
May 6, 2011
13,541
22,128
77
Olathe, Kansas
This a later recording by Vern & Ray after they wondered off to California to make a living. This is subsequent recording after they made "Sound from the Ozarks". Not as good as "Ozarks" put still pretty special. This recording includes Herb Pederson on banjo and Howard Courtney on bass,

"Tonight I'm sad my heart is weary
I Wondering if I'm wrong or right
To dream about you though you left me
I wonder where you are tonight"


San Francisco - 1968

Bluegrass musicians Vern Williams and Ray Park were both born in Arkansas