The Bottom Line Archive

Ralph Stanley

2017 - Bottom Line Theater Cabaret.  Ralph Stanley was one of the founding father’s of Bluegrass music when he performed with his brother Carter back in the day.  Just last year, the Bluegrass industry was devastated as news of Ralph’s passing came over the wires.    Now for those of you who do not know, Bluegrass music is a branch off of country music.  In fact it is the oldest form and most traditional styles of country.  Nonetheless it is still known as Bluegrass, even though many of it’s artists tend to cross back and forth with country music.  On June 12, 2002, Ralph Stanley and his band (The Clinch Mountain Boys) made a public appearance at New York’s Bottom Line Theater.  The Bottom Line Theater or club was known in New York for helping new musicians, including country, establish a following within New York’s five boroughs.  This album is a complete live performance of Ralph Stanley as he performed on that club stage.  This album captures the legend in his natural setting.  Ralph was a down to earth man who believed in God.  He captivated his audiences with his iconic vocals and light hearted wit that brought a comedic side to the stage.  This album features the best of what we have come to know and love about Ralph.  This project comprises of fifteen songs including his version of Hank Williams’ first ever written and recorded song “Look On And Cry.”  Other songs include “Girl From The Greenbriar Shore,” “Great High Mountain,” “I’ll Remember You Love, In My Prayers,” “Hemlocks & Primroses,” “False-Hearted,” “Henry Lee,” “Pretty Polly” and his hit song (that he once recorded with Patty Loveless) “Calling You.”  Need not worry as he also includes his ever popular song “Man of Constant Sorrow.”  The album closes with “Amazing Grace,” in which Mr. Stanley gains the help from the audience to sing the song.  The highlights of this album is the fact that the record label kept all of Ralph’s personal touches that he added throughout the performance.  After listening to this live performance, I just wish that I had the opportunity to see Ralph perform live.  The low part of this album is found in the liner notes.  Whom ever wrote the information within these notes should have studied the life and career of Dr. Ralph Stanley.  I must state that this is a great way to honor the memory of this legendary man.  However, I must condemn the record label, or should I say the club, for such arrogance. The Bottom Line closed two years after this performance.  Due to the liner notes, I feel as if the owners of the theater / club are trying to make up for lost revenue.  I wonder how much of the proceeds are actually going to the estate of Dr. Ralph Stanley?  For that and the errors amongst the information within I give this album $$.  For Dr. Ralph Stanley’s performance—well that deserves a $$$$+

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