Norman Blake - Green Light On The Southern (2011)

Norman & Nancy Blake have retired to their north Georgia home in the past two or three years, which would explain why we haven't heard that much from them and why their many records are gradually going out of print. Their many fans will welcome this new release put out by Western Jubilee Records. There are a generous 17 tracks, with a wonderful collection of fine old time songs like LITTLE BUNCH OF ROSES, HE RAMBLED, THE WRECK ON THE C & O, GOODBYE DEAR OLD STEPSTONE, WHISTLING RUFUS and 15 MILES FROM BIRMINGHAM. And of course, Blake's original title song, which is a gem of piece further popularized by Tony Rice's version. Strangely, the sound here is a little funky, with Blake's voice having nowhere near the presence of his guitar --it sounds as if the recording was done in someone's living room, though the notes assure us otherwise. It's just pure Norman Blake and his guitar, with some vocal help from wife Nancy. A nice album.