Farm & Fun Time Favorites, Vol. 1
Between 1936 and 1950, North Carolina brothers Bill and Earl Bolick recorded more than 100 sides for RCA Victor, and they rank among the finest close-harmony duets in country history. Until those landmark studio recordings resurface on CD, fans must look to a series of radio transcriptions (or later reunion albums such asIn Concert, 1964or Rounder's 1976Blue Sky Boys) to get a taste of their affecting sound. Not to fear, however: these transcriptions offer wonderful readings of some of their best-loved secular and spiritual favorites. This collection was recorded in the summer of 1949 for WCYB in Bristol, Virginia, and with the support of fiddler Curly Parker, the Blue Sky Boys show off the style and repertoire of old-time favorites that had been charming country fans for more than a decade. Although there are a number of rousing fiddle tunes, it was the gentle, understated, tender, mellifluous, yet incredibly powerful harmonies that set the pair apart. As the two had sung together since the cradle, Bill's high tenor and Earl's solid baritone meshed magically. It's no wonder that they quit the business in 1951, unwilling to change their pristine sound one iota.--Marc Greilsamer