A Golden Anniversary Celebration
Pinecastle, 2018
8/10
Listen to A Golden Anniversary Celebration
A banjo player since the age of 13 and a world champion in the ‘70s, Ray Edwards has had a lengthy and esteemed career, playing in High Country Boys, Southbound, and many other outfits. Here, the legend offers us a handful of well thought out covers and originals, where his banjo prowess and strong vocals shine bright.
Edwards starts the listen with the indeed mountainesque sounds of the bluegrass fueled “The Life Of A Mountain Man”, an original tune where Alan Bibey’s mandolin adds much to the setting, and Edwards continues this approach with the soaring foundation of “Wanda Lou”, where Junior Sisk takes lead vocal duties.
Deeper into the listen, “Tennesse” brings in Danny Paisley’s pipes on the quick paced, string acrobatics, while “When The Golden Leaves Begin To Fall” finds the listen entering ballad territory with warm harmonies alongside gorgeous instrumentation. “Boat Of Love” ends the listen with 4 vocalists as a gospel influence enters the timeless exit.
Edwards is well versed in folk, country, bluegrass and gospel sounds, and here he again proves why his luminous career has spanned across 5 decades and counting.
Travels well with: Merle Monroe- Back To The Country; Ray Cardwell- Stand On My Own