Accurately sub-titled "A complete and perfect compendium of bluegrass mandolin artistry", this recording is a must for all bluegrass mandolinists, and would be a significant addition to my collection of bluegrass music. The project was the brainchild of Ronnie McCoury, who had the good idea of placing all the living mando-kings on one recording. Ronnie, together with Dave Grisman, eventually got the project off the ground and the result is a superb statement of the art of bluegrass mandolin as it is currently practised.

The recording comprises two discs with thirty-four tracks, almost two hours of music and a list of players that reads like a mandolin hall of fame. Pickers include Sam Bush, Frank Wakefield, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Osborne, Dave Grisman, Buck White, Ricky Skaggs and Ronnie McCoury himself, all of whom are ably backed by Del McCoury on guitar. Many of the tracks are well known bluegrass standards but heard in what is a much stripped down non-band setting the tunes and the playing acquire a fresh new life. Freed from the strictures of ensemble playing the artists are not restricted to one break. Some tunes me taken at a slightly slower pace than might otherwise be the case again revealing new depths while others crack along at a fast tempo.

The first track is an ensemble tribute to Bill Monroe the man who did more than anyone to establish the mandolin and Blue Moon of Kentucky seems to be a fitting choice. After this things speed up with a storming five minute version of Old Joe Clark, each player taking the tune for a full thirty two bars whilst the others play rhythm, allowing the listener a fascinating insight to each player's individual style. The rest of the tracks feature solo mandolinists or small groups, plus of course Del McCoury, the effect being a spell binding journey up the main river of bluegrass, taking in a few tributaries along the way. The famous McReynolds cross-picking style is in evidence particularly on his own composition The Cakewalk, this is followed by a self-penned Ronnie McCoury blues, several fiddle tunes, waltzes, rags and breakdowns. The spirit of Bill Monroe infuses the entire recording, many of the tunes being Monroe compositions. Several tracks begin with a spoken commentary by the player, and there is no mistaking the esteem in which the Big Mon is held by the current generation of players. The recording quality is first class and the package includes a well produced and informative booklet.

Bob Snape, Ribchester, Preston.

21st Sept 2000