"Contented Must Be," released in 2004 on Rounder Records, is Bruce Molsky's most ensemble-oriented studio album to that point, featuring an unusually wide cast including Mike Compton (mandolin, tenor guitar), Darol Anger (baritone violin), Dudley Connell (vocals), Mick Moloney (tenor banjo), Paul Brown (banjo), and Audrey Molsky (guitar). The 17-track set covers the full spectrum of Molsky's repertoire — Appalachian fiddle tunes, mountain songs, and material from the broader Anglo-Celtic tradition — with Connell of Johnson Mountain Boys adding vocal depth and Anger's baritone violin providing an unusual textural thread. Critically received as a mature summation of Molsky's work through his mid-career, the record confirmed his standing as one of the old-time revival's most versatile and accomplished practitioners.
Tracklist
- 1 Ways Of The World 2:52
- 2 Brushy Run 2:54
- 3 Hills of Mexico alt version 3:57
- 4 Wake Up Susan & Durang's Hornpipe 3:14
- 5 Green Grows The Laurel 4:32
- 6 Grey Owl & Victor's No. 39 3:54
- 7 Knoxville Blues 2:33
- 8 Someone I Love 3:06
- 9 Diamond Joe & Green River 4:19
- 10 Johnson City Rag 2:25
- 11 Let's Go To Huntin' 1:45
- 12 Blackberry Blossom alt version 2:39
- 13 Harveland Waltz 3:03
- 14 Richmond 2:30
- 15 Charmin' Betsy 3:02
- 16 Glory in the Meeting House alt version 2:59
- 17 Winter Slide 3:02
