Multiple Artists

Red, White, and Bluegrass (CMH Records)

By Bob Mitchell

Red White and Bluegrass is a lighthearted release that makes you feel good. CMH has compiled an interesting collections of songs about Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Texas. It opens with "Star Spangled Banner" and closes with "America The Beautiful."

"Alabama Jubilee" is a finger-buster from guitar giants Merle Travis and Joe Maphis. "Pennsylvania Polka" is just plain fun from the legendary Don Reno (banjo) and Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith. The fabulous Osborne Brothers are featured on "I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky" and "Georgia Piney Woods." Mac Wiseman works his usual magic on "Kentucky." Fiddlin' Red Herron lights up the standard "Arkansas Traveler." Jim and Jessie vocals are as fresh as a mountain stream in their heartfelt "Colorado Calling Me." And Merle Travis gets the blue ribbon for his humorous original, "There Ain't A Cow in Texas."

The liner notes do not provide any information about recording dates, but these selections sound like they are from the '50s. The bigger mystery, however, is makeup of the "Star Spangled Band" - who are these masked men? Someone named M. Thorton has arranged three patriotic songs but none is better that a flag-waving "Stars and Stripes Forever." If you have been looking for the perfect CD to play during your July 4^th cook-out, look no further, this is it!

To learn more or obtain a copy of this CD contact CMH Records at PO Box 39439, Los Angeles, CA 90039.