Family and Friends (Folkways FTS 31088, 1981) captures Harley "Red" Allen — the hard-driving guitarist and tenor vocalist from Harlan County, Kentucky who had spent the 1950s with the Osborne Brothers before building an independent career on the Washington, D.C. bluegrass circuit — in an informal but polished Nashville session recorded at Scruggs Sound Studios in January and April 1981. Allen is joined by Vassar Clements (fiddle), a 22-year-old Marty Stuart (mandolin, guitar — already a veteran sideman who had toured with Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash), and Terry Smith (bass) alongside family members. The album stands as a warm showcase of Allen's warm tenor and his gift for assembling talent across bluegrass generations.
Tracklist
- 1 She's Country 2:17
- 2 Dig a Hole in the Meadow alt version 2:11
- 3 Stone Wall 2:54
- 4 Bill Cheatham alt version 2:10
- 5 Troubles 'Round My Door 2:40
- 6 Hello City Lights 2:15
- 7 Sweet Love Ain't Around 3:06
- 8 Gold Watch and Chain alt version 1:58
- 9 Bad News 2:46
- 10 Fire on the Mountain alt version 2:03
