Blue Virginia Blue (Rebel REB-1650, 1986) is a recording from Bill Harrell and the Virginians, the veteran Washington, D.C.–area bluegrass ensemble led by guitarist and vocalist Harrell. The lineup of Carl Nelson on fiddle, Darrell Sanders on lead guitar and banjo, Paul Adkins on mandolin, and Ed Ferris on bass was recorded at Bias Recording in Springfield, Virginia — a facility closely associated with the mid-Atlantic bluegrass scene. Harrell's association with the D.C. bluegrass world extended back to the 1950s and his early work with Don Reno; the Virginians represented one of the most consistent traditional-bluegrass operations in the region through multiple decades on the Rebel label. Blue Virginia Blue is a solid mid-career document — dependable lead singing, capable ensemble playing, and the no-frills traditional approach Harrell maintained across a recording career that outlasted many of his contemporaries.
Tracklist
- 1 Blue Virginia Blues alt version 3:11
- 2 Sonny boy 2:45
- 3 Fire on the north ridge 2:07
- 4 Mary of the wild moor 3:28
- 5 God must be a cowboy at heart 2:53
- 6 God put a rainbow in the clouds 3:19
- 7 Letter to home 2:33
- 8 Kentucky is just a smile away 4:00
- 9 Bare foot Nellie 2:22
- 10 I haven't seen Mama in years 3:36
- 11 Wreck of the Old 97 alt version 2:30
- 12 Muddly little shoes 3:19