1: Coldest Day Of Winter (3:05) 2: Echo Mountain (3:52) 3: She Took His Breath Away (3:45) 4: Stumbling In My Fathers Footsteps (2:32) 5: Jerusalem Tomorrow (4:46) 6: Flowers In The Dell (3:28) 7: Second Hand (3:46) 8: Saginaw, Michigan (3:19) 9: Garage Sale (3:17) 10: Carroll Country Accident (3:08) 11: Cold Hard Facts Of Lies (3:17) 12: Whatever Happend To Julie (3:11) 13: Just As The Sun Went Down (4:05)
Description:
"Bluegrass Storyteller" on CD is a heartfelt collection of traditional and contemporary bluegrass songs, performed with emotional depth and unpretentious authenticity by James King. The album focuses on narrative-driven material: songs about working people, family ties, faith, loss, and redemption, delivered in a rich, soulful voice that has made King a favorite among classic bluegrass listeners. Acoustic arrangements with banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and upright bass emphasize clarity and warmth, creating an intimate "front porch" atmosphere that suits these story songs perfectly. The production respects the roots of the genre, avoiding over-polish and instead highlighting honest performances, tight harmonies, and dynamic instrumental breaks that support, rather than overshadow, the vocals. Lyrically, the album feels like a series of short stories set to music, ideal for listeners who appreciate traditional bluegrass grounded in real-life experience and emotional truth. James King was a respected bluegrass singer and guitarist, often celebrated for his powerful, emotive voice and his feel for classic, story-centered material. Over the course of his career, he became known as one of the standout traditional vocalists of his generation, earning recognition within the bluegrass community for his moving interpretations and consistently strong live performances. His recordings, frequently praised by genre fans and critics, helped solidify his reputation as a keeper of the bluegrass storytelling tradition. The label Rounder Select is part of the Rounder Records family, a company long associated with roots music, bluegrass, folk, and Americana. For decades, Rounder has been known for discovering, supporting, and carefully curating artists who embody the authentic spirit of American roots traditions. Their catalog has included influential bluegrass and acoustic recordings, and Rounder Select editions often underline that curatorial approach by presenting high-quality releases for collectors and dedicated fans. With this background, "Bluegrass Storyteller" benefits from a label that understands the genre deeply and places strong emphasis on sound quality, archival value, and respect for musical heritage.