The White Brothers Live in Sweden

RELEASE
1979
LABEL
Rounder
GENRES
Country, Bluegrass, Progressive Bluegrass

Album Review

This LP was, in effect, a 1973 reunion of three veterans of the Kentucky Colonels, brothers Clarence, Roland, and Eric White, along with banjo player Alan Munde, a late substitution for Herb Pedersen. Though the earlier group had been anything from a quartet to a sextet, the emphasis on these tracks is primarily on Clarence White, featuring his lead vocals to complement his phenomenal guitar playing. Even though he had spent over six years away from bluegrass while touring and recording with the rock group the Byrds, White obviously hadn't lost his touch with the music that he grew up playing. The solos of Roland White (on mandolin) and Munde are exciting as well. This live album rekindles the magic of songs associated with the Kentucky Colonels, particularly the uptempo "New River Train" (with several incredible breaks by Clarence), "Alabama Jubilee," and "Rawhide" (which showcases Roland and Munde). Sadly, it was also among Clarence White's last recordings prior to his death later that year after he and brother Roland were hit by a drunk driver while loading gear after a concert. This release is beautifully packaged, with lots of photos and detailed liner notes by bluegrass expert Jack Tottle. The only mystery is why Rounder allowed this excellent LP to lapse from print; it is long overdue to be reissued on CD.
Ken Dryden, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Tell Me Baby Why You Been Gone So Long
  2. Banjo Boy Chimes
  3. Last Thing on My Mind
  4. Sally Goodin
  5. Take a Whiff on Me
  6. Rawhide
  7. If You're Ever Gonna Love Me
  8. I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome
  9. Alabama Jubilee
  10. You Won't Be Satisfied That Way
  11. Soldier's Joy
  12. I Know What It Means to Be Lonesome
  13. Blackberry Blossom
  14. New River Train