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Ernie Thacker, Junior Blankenship Band - Tennessee Blues

(Copper Creek C-0136) 1995

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This album was recorded on the 7th and 10th November 1994, about seven months after Ernie and Junior had left the CMB's. It was the first of the new outfit's albums to be released, although Tears Of Gold which came out later in 1995, was already 'in the can' having been recorded in March/April.

The band at the time, included Barry Clevenger on banjo, and Butch Bailey on electric bass, with CMB Art Stamper guesting on fiddle.

Barry had previously played with his brother Tommy as The Clevenger Brothers. Tommy also contributes one song, Train Keeps Riding and Barry the instrumental Gremis.

The sound is quite 'contemporary' with the electric bass high in the mix, and Barry's nimble banjo work 'playing all around it', as Ralph would say.

Junior Blankenship sings on two tracks, Flatt & Scruggs Blue Ridge Cabin Home and No Mother Or Dad, Butch Bailey sings on his Without You; and Ernie sings lead on the remainder.

The title cut, Tennessee Blues should be confused with the Bill Monroe classic!

This album doesn't seem to have much in the way of lead guitar, which is a bit surprising. Most of the breaks are either on the banjo / mandolin or fiddle...

I don't think the Thacker-Blankenship band lasted too long. At Ralph's 50th anniverary celebrations in May 1996, the Clinch Mountain Boy Reunion featured Junior playing with Charlie Sizemore, whilst Ernie sang with Ralph 'Hank' Smith.

• Junior Blankenship: guitar, vocals
• Ernie Thacker: mandolin, vocals
• Butch Bailey: bass gtr
• Barry Clevenger: bass
• Art Stamper: fiddle