Album Notes

There’s a special vibe, magic and dispensation that can only occur when women
gather together in perfect unity. More than fifty of them lend their talents to this
epic undertaking that celebrates all that’s good, right and wonderful about bluegrass
music. The Daughters of Bluegrass have created a powerful, unstoppable high-
lonesome juggernaut that is not only capable of leaping tall buildings in a single
bound,but also poignantly and poetically ripping out hearts, dropping all within
earshot to their knees, creating cold chills and injecting weary souls with joyous
rapture. And, by the way, absolutely no men were employed (or harmed) in the
making of this record.

Chris Stevens, the thoughtful and eloquent deejay on the television series, Northern
Exposure, once rapped: “There can be no spirituality, no sanctity, no truth . . .
without the female sex.” Consider The Daughters of Bluegrass 3 to be seventeen
highly concentrated, almost lethal seeming at times, doses of spirituality, sanctity
and truth. Tom T. and Dixie Hall, who long ago learned about what’s important in
life and how to transform those lessons into unforgettable songs, provide all the
material. Some of Bluegrass-dom’s finest vocalists, including Beth Stevens,
Frances Mooney, Valerie Smith, Lorraine Jordan, Dale Ann Bradley, Lisa Ray,
Michelle Nixon, Heather Berry, Janet McGarry, Mindy Rakestraw, Beth Lawrence
and Gena Britt bring the same to life.

And what songs they are! There’s nail-drivin’ bluegrass, inspired old-time ballads,
haunting gospel songs and everything in between. The Daughters take us to
Carolina and away from Harlan; exhort us to let our lights shine and follow our
dreams; remind us of the importance of family and the cycles of life: and show us
the emptiness of riches and the power of love. Think of each song as a rose, iris,
larkspur, handful of bear grass or button poms which, although each beautiful in its
own right, fuse together to create the perfect bouquet.

And be sure to join the girls on the spirited refrain:

I’m proud to be a daughter of bluegrass, don’t you know
Following the footsteps of Mr. Bill Monroe
Playing at the festivals and on the radio
I’m proud to be a daughter and I’m proud to tell you so

Dave Higgs
Nashville Public Radio