A bluegrass supergroup geta a vinyl upgrade.
Boone Creek – Boone Creek: Hightone Series – Rounder Records 0081 (1977)/Craft Recordings CR01033 [6/26/2026], stereo vinyl, 44:30 ****1/2:
(Ricky Skaggs – lead vocals, mandolin, fiddle guitar; Jerry Douglas – Dobro, vocals; Wes Golding – lead vocals, guitars; Terry Baucom – banjo, fiddle, vocals)
When Boone Creek formed in 1976, the band was considered one of the first bluegrass supergroups. Headed by the 23-year old prodigy Ricky Skaggs (guitar, mandolin, fiddle), he was joined by Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Wes Golding (guitar), Terry Baucom (banjo) and a few bass players. While the group was only together for two albums, the progressive approach to traditional music included some electric instrumentation, harmonic vocals and virtuosic play.
Craft Recordings has released an updated vinyl of Boone Creek’s debut album. This is quintessential bluegrass with a modern approach. Side A opens with a spirited original composition, “Dixieland”. Terry Baucom’s banjo sets a ferocious pace and Skaggs and Douglas match the intensity and the harmony vocals are impressive. Bill Monroe’s plaintive “Dark As The Night Blue As The Day” captures old school charm with Baucom on fiddle and Douglas shines on dobro. Skaggs’ crystalline tenor and mandolin infuse the traditional “Walking In Jerusalem” with Sunday morning gospel. The three-part harmony is compelling. Perhaps inspired by the great Lester Flatt, “I’m Gonna Settle Down” has percolating solos by Douglas as Golding and Skaggs trade off lead vocals. Things slow down for another traditional number, “Drifting Too Far From The Shore” that exudes warmth and faith despite a cautionary message. “White House Blues” (another Monroe classic) is an unbridled two-minute celebration. The genesis of the band’s moniker is explored on the title cut with Golding singing lead.
A certain highlight is the instrumental tour-de-force (“Intro”) with guitar, banjo, dobro and mandolin all festively articulating the feel of this group. This band feels connected to the emerging 70’s country rock era on songs like “Satisfy My Mind” with beautiful harmonies.When Boone Creek cut loose on “There Ain’t Nobody Gonna Miss Me”, they are standard bearers for modern bluegrass, There is also a connection to modern contexts on “Hitchhiking To California” with aspirational delivery and subtle tempo changes intermingled in the furious instrumentation. “Georgia Sunrise” has a Southern rock style and some electric guitar enhancement. The finale (“Dream Song”) expands the aural landscape with electric piano, sax, trumpet and flute adding texture to the overall template. This is indicative of the trend-bucking nature of the band.
The re-mastered vinyl of Boone Creek is vibrant. All of the interwoven vocal harmonies are captured with precision and are centered in the mix. There is excellent stereo separation on the instruments.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Boone Creek
TrackList:
Side One:
Dixieland;
Dark As The Night Blue As The Day;
Walkin’ In Jerusalem;
I’m Gonna Settle Down;
Drifting Too Far From The Shore;
White House Blues;
Boone Creek;
The Memory Of Your Smile
Side Two:
Intro;
Satisfy My Mind;
Sugar Daddy;
There Ain’t Nobody Gonna Miss Me;
Hitchhiking To California;
Misty Wind;
Georgia Sunrise;
Dream Song.
