The Old Country Church, recorded for Epic in 1964, documents Jim and Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys in a full gospel setting that draws on the same Southern hymn tradition that fed bluegrass from its earliest days. Jesse McReynolds's cross-picking mandolin style — one of the instrument's genuine technical innovations — is at the service of devotional material here rather than on display for its own sake, and the resulting performances have a warmth and sincerity that less restrained players might have obscured. "This World is Not My Home" and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" receive treatments that honor their place in American sacred song without reducing them to mere nostalgia.
Tracklist
- 1 The Old Country Church Source Recording 2:26
- 2 The Old Camp Meeting Days 2:23
- 3 Kneel at the Cross 2:45
- 4 Rock of Ages alt version 2:52
- 5 Lord I’m Coming Home Source Recording 2:47
- 6 This World is Not My Home Source Recording 2:36
- 7 Swing Low Sweet Chariot Source Recording 2:47
- 8 Where the Soul Never Dies alt version 2:27
- 9 The Old Time Religion Source Recording 2:34
- 10 Where the Roses Never Fade 2:48
- 11 It's a Lonesome Road 2:21
- 12 Are You Washed in the Blood alt version 2:34
