I love this record. It has been a place I go to when I’m absolutely in need of cheering up. From the first track to that last the songs are singable, uplifting and beautiful. Indeed, I would say this is THE bluegrass gospel album, more than any other, that defines the genre to me.
The Bluegrass Cardinals came together in Los Angeles in 1974 when banjoist Don Parmley and mandolinist Randy Graham teamed up with Parmley’s 15-year-old son, David, to form what was to become a successful bluegrass trio who wielded considerable influence from the latter half of the ’70s through the early ’90s. Don Parmley and Randy Graham‘s partnership had preceded the official start of the band by seven years when they started a musical friendship after the demise of Parmley‘s previous group, the Hillmen (whose leader, Chris Hillman, found success as a member of the Byrds), and so it seemed natural to grow into a trio with the addition of the younger Parmley. In 1976, the three moved from southern California to Virginia and cut their self-titled debut album for Sierra Records, followed by their 1977 Rounder offering, Welcome to Virginia. These two albums quickly cemented the oft-described “Cardinal sound,” which dealt mainly with the intricate harmonies centered around David Parmley‘s lead vocal, his dad’s baritone, and Graham‘s high tenor.
Bluegrass Cardinals
Almost off the bat, The Bluegrass Cardinals shuffled through countless lineups and proved a springboard for many bluegrass musicians, including fiddler Dennis Fetchet, bassist Bill Bryson, and mandolinist Larry Stephenson. They recorded several albums in the late ’70s and early ’80s for the CMH label with these and a slew of other fine musicians as well as making several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry before settling with Sugar Hill Records for three albums between 1983-1986. In 1991, Don and David took a short hiatus to record Parmley and McCoury — Families of Tradition with Del McCoury and his two sons, Ronnie and Rob McCoury, and by 1992, David chose to leave the Cardinals and pursue his own solo career. He recorded three albums under his own name and then reunited with original Bluegrass Cardinal fiddler Randy Graham in 1995 to form the Continental Divide. The Bluegrass Cardinals continued on until 1997, when Don Parmley announced his retirement from the music business. (AMG)
Track Listing:
01 I’m Going That Way
02 Great Change
03 I’ll Be Looking For You
04 64 Roses
05 Let Me Walk Lord By Your Side
06 Some Morning Fair
07 What Have You Done For Him
08 Gleams Of That Golden Morning
09 Sing And Be Happy
10 Give Mother My Crown
11 Trouble The Waters
12 God Put A Rainbow In The Cloud
Washerman's Dog 