Track Listing

1. Kentucky Waltz
2. True Life Blues
3. Nobody Loves Me
4. Goodbye Old Pal
5. Blue Grass Special
6. Heavy Traffic Ahead
7. Summertime Is Past and Gone
8. I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky
9. It's Mighty Dark to Travel
10. Bluegrass Breakdown
11. Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong
12. Old Crossroads
13. Remember the Cross
14. Shine Hallelujah, Shine
15. Can't You Hear Me Callin'
16. Travelin' This Lonesome Road

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #204221 in Music
• Released on: 1996-03-12
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
When Sony released the splendid two-disc Essential Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys in 1992, they opted to use alternate takes instead of better-known classic readings in a number of cases: 16 to be exact. While the inclusion of these alternates attracted some avid collectors who didn't own them, the omission of the official takes angered them even more. Thus, in 1996, Sony sought to rectify the situation by releasing this single CD with the 16 omitted official takes. Not only did this appease completists, it also made for a worthy single-disc introduction to Monroe's landmark recordings and his high-water band with Flatt & Scruggs. These songs are the very cornerstone of the genre. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

A great collection spanning Bill's musical diversity
16 Gems is just that. 16 of the father of bluegrass music's finest. A wide variety of bluebrass stylings, from the beautiful Kentucky Waltz to the pounding Bluegrass Breakdown to Bill's heartfelt Gospel tunes, this one has it ALL! Highly recommended!!!!

A Short-list Artist
What do these artists have in common: Caruso (teens), Beiderbecke (20s),
Carter Family (30s), Benny Goodman (40s), Hank Williams, Sr.(50s) ?
Via today's technology, we can enjoy full-flavored versions of their
work decades after their deaths. And, we do it all the time. Why?
The work of truly great artists is timeless.

Bill Monroe belongs on the short list of all-time great artists.
Sometimes, it takes two to realize that - the artist and you. Being
inclined toward classical and jazz, it took years for me to begin to
really appreciate Monroe, tho I had always casually enjoyed my father's
records. I knew Bill was good, just not how good. I'm still learning
and lack the background to compare and contrast this CD's tracks with
his later re-makes or engage in nostalgic talk about band personnel.

So, why did I buy this CD? Being more familiar with Monroe's 50-60's
sound, I wanted to learn something about his musical development.
What was the "young Bill Monroe" like ? This CD provides the answer
because, though recorded in the 40s, these re-masterings are excellent.
If you're like me, not a bluegrass expert, the thing to do with this CD
is sit back and let these "gems" wash over you. This CD is a keeper.

Even better than The Essential Bill Monroe
Whether you're a bluegrass fan from "way back" or whether you're just discovered this great music, 16 Gems is a must for your collection. Bill Monroe is the Father of Bluegrass, and as far as I'm concerned, he's also the King. When this collection starts out with "Kentucky Waltz", you'll be hooked. This album is probably the best spent music money you'll ever spend.