Mac, Doc & Del (Sugar Hill, 1998)

This is a 'must have' album for any fan of bluegrass or traditional music. Del McCoury, Doc Watson and Mac Wiseman and Wiseman are all musical legends. Each has taken a somewhat different musical path in his career, but they all share a common love for traditional music.

All are in fine voice here, as they alternate between singing together and solo. McCoury's tenor meshes beautifully with the deeper voices of Watson and Wiseman. Songs include such classics as "More Pretty Girls Than One," "New Moon Over My Shoulder," "I'll Sail My Ship Alone," "Black Mountain Rag" (the lone instrumental) and "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight." They are flanked by stellar sidemen, including members of the Del McCoury Band, Jerry Douglas and Jack Lawrence. We're living in an era where recorded events, featuring artists who seldom or never record together, are joining forces on projects.

But this record feels different. It feels very much like a gathering of old friends and a wonderful musical treat.