An American Treasure
Aaron New | Pennsylvania | 09/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The great Ralph Stanley has come out with another gem of an album. While in his 70's, Stanley still sings with the enthusiasm of a man in his 20's. "While The Ages Roll On" produces neither any gimmicks nor surprises. The music contained on this album is what fans have come to expect from Ralph: solid, inspirational old-time/bluegrass music from one of the "Founding Fathers" of the genre. As Jim Lauderdale stated, Ralph is the "King of Mountain Soul", and he proves it again on this all-gospel release. From the opening notes of "Dad's Old Rocky Field", this album is a pleasure to listen to. If I had to sum up the feel of this album in two words, they would be "gentle" and "inspirational". The tracks on this album seem to emanate a sense of comfort and pleasure. The Clinch Mountain Boys(including Ralph II, veteran Jack Cooke, and ace fiddler James Price)are, as always, at the top of their game, providing Ralph with impeccable pickin' and singin'. The three acapella tracks on "While The Ages Roll On" showcase a stunning display of harmony that will send chills down your back. Ralph and the boys utilize four-part harmony singing on almost every track to great effect. I thought only angels could sing so beautifully. No matter what your religious beliefs, you will be touched and transported to a heavenly place upon hearing this album. Another reason I would suggest this album in particular is because of the sound quality. Some of Ralph's(and the Stanley Brothers) albums are outstanding but naturally lack the technological advantages of today's digital equipment. On "When The Ages Roll On", the sound is crystal clear and it sounds as if Ralph and the boys are right there in the room singing to you. I was fortunate enough to get my copy of this album signed recently at a bluegrass festival. Ralph is a legend, a gentleman,and an American treasure. Now only if we could get the mass radio to play some good music like this.... (Sorry, I still haven't figured out how to separate my reviews into paragraphs!)"
Purchased this CD for my Dad who is 81 Years Young
Blanche E. Young | Fort Leonard Wood, MO United States | 05/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My Dad heard one of the songs from this CD on his local radio station in Woodstock, VA. He asked me if I could find this CD for him. He is a long-time fan of Ralph Stanley and his beloved Bluegrass music. In May 2002 I took my Dad and Mom on a trip to his home in Wise County, VA. I was very lucky to fulfill my Dad's life time dream of personally meeting Ralph Stanley. My Dad was given Dr. Stanley's home phone number by a friend. Dad called him and Dr. Stanley graciously invited him to visit his home and spent some of his precious time with my parents. I will always be grateful to Dr. Stanley for making my Dad's dream come true."