Any three-disc set of previously hard-to-find recordings by
Ralph Stanley would be a release worth noting. But this one is especially exciting because it brings together the entirety of
Stanley's work for the
King and
Gusto labels, much of it from the late '60s when
Stanley was arguably at the peak of his considerable powers. Much of this material features lead singer
Larry Sparks, the man generally considered
Ralph Stanley's most effective duet partner since the death of his brother
Carter. Indeed, the 36
King sides were recorded shortly after
Carter's untimely death and a brief but intense period of personal grief and professional uncertainty on
Ralph's part. When he returned to recording and playing it was with an impressive level of energy and commitment, as these recordings make plain -- just listen to the gritty incisiveness of his renditions of
"Poor Rambler," "I'm Better Off Now That You're Gone," and the
Bill Monroe classic
"In the Pines." But as fine as these songs are, the real fun comes on the 12 songs that
Stanley recorded for the
Gusto label with
Jimmy Martin handling lead vocals and rhythm guitar chores.
Martin's patented buzzsaw whine and powerful guitar attack push
Stanley in a way that his late brother never had, and the results are thrilling. The occasional harmonica and drums (!) are an annoyance, but not more than an annoyance. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson
![Six Days on the Road [Aim]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0752211300829_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Six Days on the Road [Aim]")
