Original Underground Music from the Mysterious South is an absolutely glorious instrumental album by Norman & Nancy Blake and the Rising Fawn Ensemble, featurin Peter Ostroushko (spelled Ostrusko on the back cover, for some reason), Carl Jones and Larry Sledge.
The music of this album has been discussed on previous threads, but I'd like to take a moment to highlight the cover photo, featuring 6 vintage Gibsons, along with a violin and cello.
I'm not entirely sure about the identities of the individuals on the cover (and would love to be corrected, if need be), but I believe, left to right, it is: Larry Sledge, Peter O, Norman, Nancy, and Carl Miner.
Larry appears to be holding a Fern (I can't quite tell if it's an F5 or an H5), Peter a teens blacktop A4, Norman a 3-point F2, Nancy an F5 (Loar?), and Carl another teens blacktop A4.
Nancy is also holding a '24 K4 Mandocello (as evidenced by the coffee-colored tuner buttons). Norman is also holding a Martin slothead sunburst dreadnaught, 12 frets to the body (unsure of the year or the specific model designation, but what a beauty!). On the ground in front of them are a cello and a highly inlaid violin.
Any insights/knowledge of the specifics of these instruments or players would be appreciated. I've long loved Peter O's mandolin playing on Greg Brown records, particularly on The Echoing Green from "Songs of Innocence, Songs of Experience," and Letters from Europe, from "In The Dark With You."
Also, in the liner notes on the back, it offers a special thanks to John and Marie Hartford. I'm curious what role they may have played in this recording?
I've bought several used copies of this LP online to give as gifts. I've gotten so much enjoyment from listening to this album over the years, I want to share the joy.
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