Personnel includes: Arthur Smith (vocals, banjo, fiddle); Herold Goodman (vocals); Joe Forrester (bass).
Recorded between January 22, 1935 & October 7, 1940. Includes liner notes by Charles Wolfe.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Personnel: Fiddlin' Arthur Smith (vocals, banjo, fiddle); Alton Delmore (vocals, guitar); Rabon Delmore (vocals, tenor guitar); Clyde Moody, Billy Byrd (guitar); Tommy Magness (fiddle).
Audio Remasterer: Christopher C. King.
Liner Note Author: Charles K. Wolfe.
Recording information: Atlanta, GA (01/22/1935-10/07/1940); Charlotte, NC (01/22/1935-10/07/1940); New Orleans, LA (01/22/1935-10/07/1940); Rock Hill, SC (01/22/1935-10/07/1940).
This well-produced overview covers the years 1937-1940 and includes "Weary Weary World," "Red Apple Rag," "Little Darling," and several other hits (although it strangely omits "Walking in My Sleep," "Love Letters in the Sand," and "Beautiful Brown Eyes," some of Smith's other hits of the time). One doesn't need to hear hits, though, to appreciate Smith's tremendous skill, and with the Delmore Brothers on hand for a number of songs, this is nothing short of terrific. The liner notes provide some of the best insight yet into Smith's life and career and show definitively why he was such a tremendous influence on the first generation of bluegrass musicians. ~ Jim Smith
