Recorded on November 9, 1952 in Nashville. Featuring: Lester Flatt - guitar, lead vocal Earl Scruggs - banjo Benny Martin - fiddle Curly Seckler - mandolin Jody Rainwater - bass
For Flatt & Scruggs fans this is the purest of gold. Both are at the peak of their abilities and to me, it is a perfect bluegrass song with all players outstanding. The later version with dobro & tune variation doesn't reach these heights in my opinion.
this version is my favorite over the later one. this is just the real deal to me . the relaxed flow and swing. uncomplicated and no need for any harmony parts really. truly this rendition speaks of that point in time.
I might add that this recording exemplifies the essence sound, (and coming from an ex dobro player turned lead singer), I do, , , in my true confession mode, prefer this without another instrument in the mix. and no supersonic, obligatory more and more these day, lead guitar breaks. Lester really sings it straight and natural. all before another modern fad of never resting on any note very long. this stripped down to the basics, golden nugget sound IS the essence of true bluegrass music in my opinion.
There are certain songs by F&S that are in no need of a Dobro. This is one of them. As I've played both banjo and Dobro, and was influenced by both Earl and Josh, I mean no disrespect to Buck Graves. He is the bluegrass bluesman. His breaks and the latter cut are wonderful, but this original cut is magic. IMHO.
