- CARTER FAMILY – ON BORDER RADIO – 1939: VOL. 1 (Arhoolie)(1995)
- STANLEY BROTHERS – THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA STANLEY BROTHERS (Sony)(1996)
- STANLEY BROTHERS – ANGEL BAND: THE CLASSIC MERCURY RECORDINGS (Mercury)(1995)
The Carter Family were one of the most significant ensembles in the history of American music. The roots of folk, country, gospel and bluegrass all stretch back to the group. Originally from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, A.P.Carter, his wife Sara and her cousin, Maybelle recorded for 14 years, from 1927 until 1941. In various permutations the family has remained a presence on the music scene ever since.
On Border Radio offers excerpts from radio shows broadcast in 1939 on Mexican/American border radio. In addition to the trio the disc features the first recorded appearance of a second generation of Carters: four of their daughters, aged 6-12 are featured on a number of selections.
The mood is more relaxed than on studio recordings. At the time it was assumed these recordings would be heard once or twice and thrown away. The sound is surprisingly good considering the source is long discarded acetates. Announcer “Brother” Bill Guild’s introductions of songs, replete with infrequent Biblical references, (a large part of the repertoire is comprised of spirituals) and advertisements to visit Mexico enhance the mood, and are perfect compliments to the music. A worthy addition to the Carter Family’s catalogue.
Ralph and Carter Stanley also hailed from the Appalachian Mountains. For nearly 20 years the Brothers were one of the country’s top bluegrass attractions, rivaling Flatt and Scruggs and Bill Monroe in popularity. First recording in 1948, the Stanley Brothers were perceived by Monroe, the undisputed father of bluegrass to be such a threat that upon their signing with Columbia Records the next year, he left the label in protest. High lonesome three part harmonies coupled with soulful playing brought about a sound that owed equally to Monroe and the Carters. The Stanley’s’ version of a Carter Family original The Wandering Boy is included on the Columbia release, which collects material recorded from 1949-1952. The Mercury anthology samples material released on the label between 1954 -1958. The Stanleys never attempted to modernize their sound, sticking with traditional bluegrass themes of faith, mother, and home.
The Carter Family has continued with impressive showings from generation number three. Carlene Carter, June’s daughter, has produced a number of successful country releases over the last few years, meanwhile stepdaughter Rosanne Cash (daughter of Johnny) has followed a path that has led her away from the country scene.