Y'All Come: The Essential Jim & Jesse
The McReynolds brothers made their biggest impact by combining the sound of traditional bluegrass with other elements of country music. This 20-song collection covers their 1960s association with Epic, when the duo allowed their array of influences to shine through and added drums and electric instruments to their sound. Three Louvin Brothers favorites accompany assorted gospel numbers, a pair of Chuck Berry covers, a Bob Wills standard, hard-driving songs of trains and trucks, and some straight bluegrass. Fans of traditional bluegrass will prefer their earlier Capitol work to this greatest-hits package, but Jim's immaculate tenor vocals, Jesse's innovative mandolin technique, and the pair's natural harmonies are all on display here.--Marc Greilsamer