Welcome to the Jarrod Church Website!

Given that Ralph Stanley has effectively retired as a banjoist, concentrating his stage presence and recording on his haunting and timeless voice, the timing is right for this inaugural recording by Virginia native Jarrod Church. The title says it all, as far as the inspiration the young picker has drawn from Stanley and the dedication he has shown in trying to play it like the "master."

Recorded on a Stanleytone banjo, Church has recorded 13 instrumental tracks, ranging from standards such as "Hard Times" and "Clinch Mountain Backstep" to the lesserknown "Lisa's Joy" and "Rang Tang." The young man captures his idol's tone and starkness quite well, even following him out on stylistic sidetracks such as the clawhammer tunes "Old Time Pickin'" and "Shout Little Lulie." The album ends with "The Doctor's Medley," a compilation of instrumental solos taken from some signature Clinch Mountain Boys vocal numbers.

The presence of guitarist James Alan Shelton, fiddler Dewey Brown, with Al Domingue filling the bass chair lends even further authenticity to this sincere and respectful project. While totaling just under thirty minutes, this CD should still provide lots of satisfaction for fans of Ralph Stanley's distinctive banjo style. (Jyroscope Prod., c/o Jarrod Church, 575 Aarons Dr., Birchleaf, VA 24220, www.bigbluegrasscountryshow.com.)HK