They're Holding Up The Ladder (Rebel, 2004)

The Easter Brothers hail from Mt. Airy, N.C., the model for television's Mayberry, and the Easters are contemporaries of their hometown's most famous son, Andy Griffith. Like Griffith, Russell, James and Ed Easter have been spinning out heartfelt southern gospel music since the 1950's.

This release showcases 12 selections from the Easters' early '80's Rebel albums, "I Feel Like Traveling On" and "Almost Home." These spirited songs of salvation wrapped with tight, family harmonies and impeccable picking should please both southern gospel and bluegrass fans. The selections are a mix of traditional (including "White Winged Angel" and "Pass Me Not"), homage (Reno & Smiley's "I'm Building A Mansion," the Louvin's "There's A Higher Power") and originals ("Lord I Can't Picture" and the title song). Solid instrumental support comes from a passel of Easter offspring, including Russell Easter Jr. on Dobro, and Bobby Easter on lead guitar.

Clocking in at just over 29 minutes, what the CD lacks in length it makes up for in superb production, authoritative liner notes and interesting period photos.More than 40 years after their first recordings, the Easter Brothers are still spreading their brand of old time religion at churches throughout the South. This compilation captures the group at their best.