Footprints: A IIIrd Tyme Out Collection (Rounder, 2007)

Arguably one of the premier bluegrass bands from 1991 to the present, IIIrd Tyme Out has a huge fan base and they consistently put out great recordings and great performances. The recent departure of founding member Ray Deaton makes this retrospective release even more interesting.

Not that it needed help. With 15 songs, 2 of them first releases, there's a wealth of great material here. 3TO's rendition of The Platters's top 10 hit "Only You" was released as an a capella number by 3TO in 1995 and remains an excellent example of Russell Moore's lead singing, Deaton's bass voice and the other members's tight backup harmonies.

Included are "Footprints in the Snow" and "One Kiss Away From Loneliness," covers of bluegrass greats Bill Monroe and the Osborne Brothers. IIIrd Tyme Out has great gospel numbers here like "I Pray My Way Out of Trouble" and heartstrings songs such as "Erase the Miles" and "Letter to Home." And they don't forget fun, including their version of "Milk Cow Blues."

This is a fabulous trip back through time with one of the best bands in bluegrass.