The Marshall Family (Rebel, 2002)

Sadly all good things must one day end, and the Marshall Family's singing was a very good thing. Their harmonies were tight and their musicianship very good. "I Just Want To Thank You, Lord" must be one of the prettiest, most relaxed gospel numbers you'll ever hear on a bluegrass album and it's just 1 of 12 offered here.

Active (on more than a local scale) for less than a decade - 1974 to the early 1980s - they were well received and still remembered. Listening to this CD of memories from Rebel's archives it's easy to see why. Their version of "Children Go Where I Send Thee" is a great a capella number and a David Marshall song, "The Lifeguard," should be a classic recorded again today.

Several songs were penned by family members, and they showed a distinct talent for touching lyrics and pretty melodies. Whether singing a self-penned song or a traditional number like "Amazing Grace," their great sound shines through. Thankfully, record companies have archives, but there is a strong sense of loss that this great family group disappeared from the national scene some two decades ago.