BLAKE, Norman & Rich O'BRIAN Be Ready Boys - Apalachian To Abilene (CD)

Originally released in 1999 as part of Western Jubilee Recording Company's “Appalachia to Abilene” series, Be Ready Boys is an album inspired by Appalachian music's journey west. Fittingly, it is performed on period instruments by Tennessee-born bluegrass legend Norman Blake and renowned Texas guitarist Rich O'Brien. Among the sixteen tracks are traditional songs, inspired originals by Blake and O'Brien, and songs by A.P. Carter and Bob Wills, the “King of Western Swing”. Overall, the album is a testament to the fluidity of musical genres and influences, as well as the close musical ties between the Appalachian and Western traditions.