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The Sims

Flatt & Scruggs: Lester Flatt (vocals, guitar); Earl Scruggs (banjo, background vocals). Additional personnel: Louis Innis, Jack Shook (guitar); Buck Graves (dobro); Curly Seckler, Everett Lilly (mandolin); Benny Sims, Howdy Forrester, Paul Warren, Chubby Wise (fiddle); Jody Rainwater, Bob Moore, Jake Tullock, Ernie Newton (bass). Recorded between 1950 & 1955. Includes liner notes by Neil V. Rosenberg. Between 1950 and 1955, Flatt and Scruggs laid the foundation for what would become the most successful bluegrass act of all time. While still laboring in the shadow of former mentor (and now bitter rival) Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs took the music in a new direction, emphasizing the banjo over the mandolin and utilizing a folkier, less bluesy repertoire. In the process, the group produced some of the most influential recordings in bluegrass history. From the classic opening banjo lick of "Flint Hill Special" to the final notes of "Brother I'm Getting Ready to Go," Rounder Records' excellent THE GOLDEN ERA compilation delivers 15 bona fide bluegrass classics from this early era of the group's history. Bluegrass fans will recognize every track here instantly. Even those who have somehow managed to "avoid" Flatt and Scruggs will find that each number has entered the repertoire of standards. The only knock on this disc is that it's too short at 41 minutes. Fans looking for a bigger fix should check out Columbia's two-disc retrospective 'TIS SWEET TO BE REMEMBERED. Those with deeper pockets still should seek Bear Family's comprehensive 1948-1959.

Flatt & Scruggs: Lester Flatt (vocals, guitar); Earl Scruggs (banjo, background vocals). Additional personnel: Louis Innis, Jack S