 
"Old Dominion Masters"
Jim and Jesse
With over 50 years of performing
experience under their belts, Jim and Jesse are one of the most
recognized acts in bluegrass. Unhappy with the artistic demands
of the majors, the brothers founded their Old Dominion label
in 1972, one of the first independent labels in bluegrass, and
Pinecastle Records' four-CD box set chronicles their first eight
Old Dominion releases from the 1970s. The pure harmonies plus
the solid guitar work of Jim and the mandolin cross-picking of
Jesse are why the duo has endured and are on display here in
abundance. The soul-stirring standards of disc 2, which draws
from two gospel albums, mark a highlight of this collection,
especially a head-popping "Jacob's Ladder." Disc 4
comes mostly from their Live in Japan album and features instrumental
standouts such as "Heartbreak Mountain" and "Border
Ride," along with a Jim and Jesse original, "Diesel
Train," taken from an Alabama radio show, a tune that perfectly
exemplifies their homeland harmony. --Andrew Scales |