"The Red Allen Tradition" is a captivating 1983 bluegrass and newgrass album by the legendary Red Allen, a pivotal figure in the bluegrass genre known for his distinctive "high, lonesome sound." This short but sweet collection features ten tracks, each a testament to Allen's mastery of the genre, with a runtime of just 27 minutes. The album showcases Allen's collaboration with esteemed musicians, including fiddler Vassar Clements and dobro player Josh Graves, recorded at Vassar's Studio in Nashville, Tennessee.
The tracklist is a blend of traditional bluegrass and newgrass styles, with songs like "Last Train to Clarksville" and "Nashville Skyline Rag" offering a mix of original compositions and covers. Allen's powerful vocals and intricate guitar work shine throughout, from the haunting melodies of "Victim to the Tomb" to the upbeat rhythms of "Hippy Dippy Dan." The album also includes a rendition of Bob Dylan's "Down the Road," adding a touch of folk influence to the bluegrass sound.
Originally released on Folkways Records, "The Red Allen Tradition" is a must-listen for fans of bluegrass music, offering a pure and authentic experience of the genre. Red Allen's contributions to bluegrass are immortalized in this album, making it a valuable addition to any music collection.
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