JA-065D (WADE & JULIA MAINER - IN THE LAND OF MEDLODY)
- Description
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Wade Mainer (born April 21, 1907) is an American singer and banjoist. With his band, the Sons of the Mountaineers, he is credited with bridging the gap between old-time mountain music and bluegrass and is sometimes called the "Grandfather of Bluegrass." In addition, he innovated a two-finger banjo fingerpicking style, which was a precursor to modern three-finger bluegrass styles. Originally from North Carolina, Mainer's main influences came from the mountain music of his family. In a career that began in 1934 and spanned almost six decades, Mainer transitioned from being a member of his brother's band into the founder of his own ensemble, the Sons of the Mountaineers, with whom he performed until 1953, when he became more deeply involved with his Christianity and left the music industry. After working at a General Motors factory and attending gospel revivals, Mainer was convinced that he should restart his career as a Christian gospel musician and began to tour with his wife in this capacity. He continued to release albums until 1993 and turned 103 in 2010.
Studio tracks for JA0065, In the Land of Melody, were recorded at Maggard Sound, Big Stone Gap, VA on March 14-16, 1991. Live tracks were recorded at the fifth annual Seedtime on the Cumberland Festival at Appalshop in Whitesburg, Kentucky on May 31, 1991. The 1992 release was produced by Buck Maggard, Doug Dorschug and Rich Kirby, and recorded, mixed and edited by Doug Dorshug. Musicians included Wade Mainer on banjo and vocals, Julia Mainer on guitar and vocals, Mel Hammon on fiddle and harmony vocals, and Ronald Hammon on guitar.
This audio collection consists of 3/4-inch digital audio CD master, and DAT.
- Links
- Full Release on Bandcamp