The Country Gentlemen Sing and Play Folk Songs and Bluegrass

Originally released in 1961, Folk Songs and Bluegrass was the first album by the band known retrospectively as “The Classic” Country Gentlemen: Charlie Waller (guitar), John Duffey (mandolin), Eddie Adcock (banjo), and Tom Gray (bass). Together they created a unique sound, expanding musical horizons and attracting new audiences. They rightfully earned the band their reputation as the originators of progressive bluegrass.

This album bears many of the hallmarks of their distinctive sound, such as a cutting-edge repertoire bolstered by a variety of instrumental and vocal techniques. For example, listen to Gray’s dynamic bass on “Little Bessie” and the group’s striking trio harmonies on “Remembrance of You.”

These sixteen classic performances were digitally remastered and reissued in 1991, accompanied by song texts and new notes by folklorist Neil V. Rosenberg.

Track Listing

101	Train 45	The Country Gentlemen	02:29
102	Little Bessie	The Country Gentlemen	03:30
103	The Fields Have Turned Brown	The Country Gentlemen	03:04
104	They're at Rest Together	The Country Gentlemen	03:00
105	Strutting on the Strings	The Country Gentlemen	02:31
106	Remembrance of You	The Country Gentlemen	02:53
107	Red Rocking Chair	The Country Gentlemen	02:04
108	Will the Circle Be Unbroken	The Country Gentlemen	02:55
201	Handsome Molly	The Country Gentlemen	02:29
202	Victim to the Tomb	The Country Gentlemen	03:42
203	Behind These Prison Walls of Love	The Country Gentlemen	03:00
204	Wear a Red Rose	The Country Gentlemen	02:10
205	I'm Coming Back (But I Don't Know When)	The Country Gentlemen	03:07
206	Southbound	The Country Gentlemen	02:03
207	Come All Ye Tender Hearted	The Country Gentlemen	03:13
208	Standing in the Need of Prayer	The Country Gentlemen	01:54