Ola Belle Reed and Family

This label is to be commended for its series of releases featuring this historic and profound early country artist. The family band that developed when she began experiencing an increase in performing possibilities in the mid-'70s is represented here, although one will have to read through the lengthy liner notes to figure out who is playing what, and even then the situation is unclear. It is certainly true that son David Reed played on this record, bringing in a bit of '60s musical influence and giving the entire project a sentimental cross-generational appeal. In the photo on the front, he is the one who looks like he has wandered onto the wrong album cover and actually should be posing for a picture with the Fuzztones. The third party in the picture would be either husband Bud Reed or brother Alex Reed; the notes don't specify who the actual members of her group are, although she has performed and recorded with both her brother and husband before. The program is an interesting collection of traditional numbers recalled from the old days as well as new songs such as "The Leading Role," which Ola Belle Reed wrote in the '70s and which has become something of an inspirational anthem to younger female country performers. Banjoist and vocalist Cathy Fink named an album of her own after the song. It is hard not to find this new material the strongest on the album, despite the obvious staying power and historical interest of the traditional songs. The most recent song is the delightful "Sing Me a Song," one of the best ever written about the healing and positive powers of music. The leader's vocal and banjo chops are strong as a hickory branch throughout.