History, News

Bill Monroe box set to feature outtakes of popular songs

Bill Monroe Box Set – from Richard Weize Archives
Bluegrass music fans will enjoy hearing that very unique limited edition box set will be released of Bill Monroe recordings.  The recordings for DECCA in 1950-51 from the Castle Studio have been released through the Richard Weize Archives, a division of Rockstar Records, Ltd.  The recordings feature lead singers Jimmy Martin, Carter Stanley, and Edd Mayfield.  Unlike other box sets, this one will include all of the outtakes of all tracks, none of which were previously issued.  The box set will be released on February 24, 2017.
 
For musicians and careful listeners who have studied that spectacular recording for years, it’s as though a new set of Stone Tablets has been found. It also means the “tape blip” we’ve always tolerated in “The First Whippoorwill” is now corrected, as the previously issued take was from a faulty tape dub whereas the new 1951 version is from the original master.
 
Accompanying the box set is a  revised discography by Neil Rosenberg, and notes by Dick Spottswood (edited by Rosenberg) with recollections by Monroe fiddler Charlie Smith.  Below is a track listing per cd, but note that each song has multiple recorded versions on each cd.  Only 1,000 copies of this collection will be released, so be sure to order a copy.  To order your copy of the box set, be sure click here to visit Rock Star Records.
 
CD 1
Bluegrass Ramble
New Mule Skinner Blues
My Little Georgia Rose
Memories of You
I’m On My Way to the Old Home
Alabama Waltz
I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome
I’ll Meet You In Church Sunday Morning
Boat of Love
 
CD 2
The Old Fiddler
Uncle Pen
When the Golden Leaves Begin to Fall
Lord Protect My Soul
River of Death
Letter From My Darlin
On the Old Kentucky Shore
Raw Hide
 
CD 3
Poison Love
Kentucky Waltz
Prisoner’s Song
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Angels Rock Me to Sleep
Brakeman’s Blues
Travelin’ Blues
 
CD 4
When the Cactus is in Bloom
Sailor’s Plea
My Carolina Sunshine Girl
Ben Dewberry’s Final Run
Peach Pickin’ Time in Georgia
Those Gambler’s Blues
Highway of Sorrow
Rotation Blues
 
CD 5
Lonesome Truck Driver’s Blues
Sugar Coated Love
Cabin of Love
You’re Drifting Away
Get Down on Your Knees and Pray
Christmas Time’s A-Coming
The First Whipporwill