"On this 5 cd set is everything Grandpa Jones recorded between 1960 and 1973 on the Monument record label, including a number of hits from Jones' height of fame as well as some remakes of his earlier hits on Decca, King, and RCA. The thing that struck me most about these recordings the first time I listened to them (I have to admit I was like most people and my only knowledge of Grandpa came from Hee Haw) was the wonderful accompanying instrumentation. I couldn't believe that Grandpa had Chet Atkins playin for him!! Of course, after looking it up, I realized that it was Merle Travis!! Also appearing over the course of 120 songs are Floyd Cramer, Boots Randolph, Maybelle Carter, the Jordanaires, Hank Garland, Joe Maphis, and the Anita Kerr Singers. Later in the set there are some more "rural" sounding banjo numbers as well as some wonderful duets with and solo performances by Grandpa's wife Ramona Jones and a Brown's Ferry Four tribute album featuring original members Grandpa and Merle Travis with Ramona and Red Rector. The set finishes up with a live performance recorded at the Black Stallion in Cincinnati on December 30th, 1969. The performance is complete with Grandpa's signature between-song comedy and perhaps the only known recording of Jones playing his cowbells :)As usual with Bear Family, this LP-sized box set comes with a 12x12 full color 28 page book that includes a short biography, commentary on each recording session, LOADS of B&W and color photographs, and a complete sessionography for the recordings in this set - with dates, musicians, original release catalog numbers, and more. Grandpa Jones' influence on country music and the fact that he did a lot to keep the banjo from disappearing in popular country music, are oftentimes overlooked. Listening to this set serves as a great reminder and will leave you with nothing but respect for "Everybody's Grandpa" and a tapping toe."
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1