Three of the 5-string banjo’s leading ladies: Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt, and Alison Brown, team up for a jaw-dropping version of the classic Ralph Stanley instrumental “Ralph’s Banjo Special.” The track is a tantalizing teaser for the upcoming star-studded 80th Anniversary Stanley Brothers Tribute album to be released on Compass Records later this year.
Penned by Ralph Stanley, “Ralph’s Banjo Special” is traditionally performed as a mandolin feature, but producer Alison Brown creatively re-imagined this version with 3 banjos front and center. Brown says: "As soon as we started working on the Stanley Tribute project, I knew I wanted to cut a version of "Ralph's Banjo Special" as a banjo feature. The intro lick and melody lay so well on the banjo that I've never really understood why the tune wasn't a banjo feature in the first place. Arranging this for triple banjos and recording with Kristin and Gena, two of my favorite banjo pals, was a joy. The day we recorded everyone in the band was in top form and the fun we had playing together really comes through the music."
As a further nod to the legacy of the great Ralph Stanley, Ralph’s Gibson Mastertone Archtop banjo also makes an appearance on the track, courtesy of Ralph Stanley II, with each of the banjo belles taking a step-out turn on the legendary instrument.
Gena Britt comments: “I am so honored to have had the opportunity to record this track alongside two of my favorite banjo players who are equally amazing as people! In addition, being a longtime Ralph Stanley fan and being able to pay homage to him was so special. And we all got to play his banjo! How cool is that?"
Kristin Scott Benson adds: "Anytime Alison Brown is at the helm, I want to be involved! I was so happy she asked me to be a part of this tune. It's the first time I've ever recorded a song arranged for three banjos. Getting to play with Alison and Gena was wonderful and honoring Ralph is a privilege."
"Ralph’s Banjo Special" ticks all the boxes for a bluegrass barn burner with triple banjos, twin fiddles and virtuosic picking from a cast of International Bluegrass Music Association award winners: Kimber Ludiker (fiddle), Deanie Richardson (fiddle), Tristan Scroggins (mandolin), Justin Moses (guitar), and Missy Raines (bass).
