Earliest Recordings: Comp Rich-R-Tone 78's 1947-52
Finally, the Stanleys' very first--and very scarce, even when they were initially issued--14 sides return to circulation. The brothers had been together just six months when they signed with the Johnson City, Tennessee, Rich-R-Tone label; their initial efforts are built around old-time, even archaic, mountain harmonies à la theMonroe Brothersand theCarter Familyplus Ralph's two-fingered banjo style. By 1952, his three-fingered technique was in place and the Stanleys were the first group following in the footsteps of Bill Monroe's fully realized bluegrass sound. You can hear the evolution here, including two versions of "Little Glass of Wine" (their first "hit"), the strange combination of tensed and relaxed on "Our Darling's Gone," and such breathtaking romps as "Are You Waiting for Me," "Molly and Tenbrook," and "Little Birdie." Carter's warm leads and Ralph's rugged harmonies got even better with time, of course, but with the youthful exuberance they bring to this material, they're already capable of sometimes chilling you to the bone.--John Morthland