The Essential Bluegrass Cardinals: The Definitive Collection

This collection does a valuable service in remembering one of the most underappreciated bluegrass outfits of the '70s and '80s. The unit made its mark as a trio, but the list of alumni who have spent time as part of that triad is formidable, including Bill Bryson, Randy Graham, Ernie Sykes, Norman Wright, Mike Hartgrove, Ronnie Simpkins, Bobby Clark, Dale Perry, Greg Luck, and Larry Stephenson. The Bluegrass Cardinals came out of the Los Angeles scene in the mid-'70s led by the evocative vocals of David Parmley (later of Continental Divide), who was only a teenager at the time but sounded like he had lived a few lifetimes. They soon headed east, cutting an album for Rounder in 1976 and following that with their CMH debut. Through consistent lineup changes, the group continued to release strong albums full of strong musicianship and extraordinary vocal work. The group's canon is well-represented here, from ballads such as "Blue Is the Color of Lonesome" (a Cardinals original penned by the Parmleys), "Sweet Hour of Prayer," and a heart-piecing take on Merle Haggard's "Don't Give Up on Me" to more up-tempo tracks, such as "I've Had a Time" and "Knee Deep in Lovin' You." This is not a comprehensive collection, but the selection is excellent, culling Cardinals originals as well as bluegrass, country, and gospel standards. The top-notch vocalizing is worth the price of admission alone.