Larry Stephenson

Close My Eyes to Heaven Larry Stephenson

One of the most heartwarming hallmarks of today's bluegrass music is the prominence of gospel songs both old and new, and, as this album reveals, The Larry Stephenson Band performs them as well as any group working today. Larry has become well known for continually discovering a highly distinctive body of songs gleaned not only form the usual expected sources, but form places where others might not think to look. Fine songs from Bill Monroe, Osborne Bros, and the Lewis Family are here, and there's a strong new one from the prolifically great bluegrass songwriting team of Pete Goble and Leroy Drumm. The Chuck Wagon Gang and Statler Bros. have been wellsprings here as well and there are wonderful old hymns both obscure and well-known. There is even a Larry Stephenson original, demonstrating Larry's fully developed songwriting talents. As he selects them over the years, those who know bluegrass best will be able to point to a unique group of works that will come to be known as 'Larry Stephenson songs.' - Bill Vernon