Blue Diamond, The Johnson Mountain Boys' 1993 Rounder release, captures the Virginia group in their final recordings before their second and permanent disbandment. The Johnson Mountain Boys had operated since 1979 as one of the most committed traditionalist ensembles of the bluegrass revival, and Blue Diamond sustains that commitment without audible strain. Blue Diamond Mines, Duncan and Brady, and Roll On Blues represent the secular working-class and ballad traditions; See God's Ark A-movin' brings the sacred dimension; and Teardrops Fell Like Raindrops supplies the sentimental vein. The ensemble's tight harmonies and Dudley Connell's expressive lead vocal were the group's most distinctive features, and both remain fully present here. Blue Diamond closes the Johnson Mountain Boys catalog on a note of unhurried quality.
Tracklist
- 1 Duncan and Brady Source Recording 3:18
- 2 My Better Years alt version 3:25
- 3 It Don't Bring You Back To Me 2:00
- 4 Christine LeRoy 3:12
- 5 See God’s Ark A-movin’ Source Recording 1:58
- 6 Blue Diamond Mines Source Recording 5:11
- 7 Teardrops Fell Like Raindrops Source Recording 2:27
- 8 Our Last Goodbye alt version 2:25
- 9 The Future Remains 2:18
- 10 You Done Me Wrong 2:08
- 11 Roll On Blues Source Recording 2:06
- 12 There Goes My Love 2:07
- 13 Only A Hobo 2:36
- 14 Harbor of Love alt version 2:43
