Jimmy Martin Songs For Dinner, A Musical Salute To The King Of Bluegrass (Louisville Music News, 1999)

To determine which part of this package is more important - the aura of Jimmy Martin or the talents of Gary Brewer - is a tough call. Brewer has the ability to practically become Martin in his own powerful way. From the way he sings from the gut to the drive and precision of his rhythm guitar playing, it is obvious that Brewer is and has always been in some way a student of Martin's music.

The title cut, written by Tom T. and Dixie Hall, is testament to the inspiration here. A song about how Martin's music is an integral part of every day life. Bluegrass players, including two of Martin's early Sunny Mountain Boys, J.D. Crowe and Doyle Lawson, provide added quality to the songs, the remainder of which are all Martin standbys written by him and others. "Sunny Side Of The Mountain" of course, plus classics "Widow Maker," "Tennessee," "20-20 Vision," "Drink Up And Go Home" and "The Last Song" are just a few of this great crop of songs paying homage to one of bluegrass' most talented and controversial figures. (7505 Cambridge Drive, Crestwood, KY 40014, 502-241-2187)