Dayton To Knoxville 1949-1954 (Pinecastle, 2000)

The second in a planned four-part series "Documenting the career of the Osborne Brothers from Hyden Kentucky to the Grand Ole Opry," as the subtitle says, these are new recordings of songs that the brothers played during the years they were just getting started in the music business, with the notable exception of two acetates of actual 1950's demo recordings.

As a look back, this is an interesting exercise and sheds some light on the Osborne Brothers musical evolution into one of the most "country" leaning bluegrass groups. The tunes included were either written by or made popular by country artists of the day such as The Louvin Brothers ( "Alabama," "I'm Gonna Love You One More Time,") Jimmie Davis ("Is It Too Late Now,"), Johnnie & Jack ("Take My Ring From Your Finger,") and Johnny Bond ("I Wonder Where You Are Tonight,"). The notes on the songs by WSM announcer Eddie Stubbs add to the enjoyment of hearing them sung by the legendary sibling harmonies of Bobby and Sonny Osborne.