Vern Williams and Ray Park met in Stockton, CA in the 1950s, but they never knew each other back home in Arkansas, where they grew up just a few miles from each other. Together they forged a fierce and authentic bluegrass sound that became a touchstone for the Northern California bluegrass scene from the late 50s to the mid-70s. They played mountain and country music with a high lonesome sound that echoed the strains of Ralph Stanley and Bill Monroe.
Enter Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick, who founded The Good Ol’ Persons and later recorded their first duo collaboration in 1991 titled Together on Kaleidoscope Records, an album they respectfully dedicated to Vern and Ray. Over the years these now-legendary ladies have inspired the California bluegrass scene in carrying the torch originally ignited by Vern and Ray. Their new album Laurie Lewis & Kathy Kallick Sing the Songs of Vern & Ray is a deep and wonderful tribute that rings with the tones of pure, unadulterated bluegrass music. On it, they are supported by some of the west coast’s finest pickers and sawyers, including Tom Rozum, Patrick Sauber, Keith Little, Annie Staninec, and Sally Van Meter. With extensive liner notes and beautiful packaging, this is a bluegrass record we can heartily recommend. Here is a well-known traditional number and a lovely gospel piece written by Ray Park. Enjoy!
LISTEN: Little Birdie
LISTEN: Happy I’ll Be
How can you beat their version of Cabin on a Mountain?!
I can’t Patrick–I just can’t. Dayum.
Such lovely music. Makes me want to drop everything else and pick up that mandolin.