Harlan County Five-String is the second solo project for banjoist Steve Sparkman. This collection falls hard on the heels of his first outing, Smith Ridge. As the title implies, Steve is a native of Harlan County, Kentucky, and his playing is steeped in the style of his boss, Ralph Stanley. Where Smith Ridge displayed Steve’s abilities on an array of Stanley banjo tunes, Harlan County Five-String features a broad spectrum of material including several fine Sparkman originals.

As on his first project, Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys provide excellent accompaniment throughout. Steve noted that “everybody played real well on it, the timing was great. Everybody was in a good mood that day and it just fell right into place. I guess that’s the way it’s supposed to happen...turn out as close to perfect as you can get it. I’m real satisfied with it.” Fellow band mates agree, and cite this recording as perhaps the tightest musical outing to date put together by this edition of Clinch Mountain Boys.

Steve tried to give this project a traditional feel. This happened naturally through his choice of tunes and style of playing. But is also resulted from techniques used in studio. “Years ago, you heard everything on the older albums real good and clear when it come to the breaks...not as much rhythm and stuff going on in the background. I put the banjo just a step ahead on the banjo breaks, that gives it more of a traditional sound.”

Through his work touring with Ralph Stanley, Steve Sparkman is a very visible banjo player. He is on the road constantly, performing just about every weekend of the year at concerts and the larger, more-established bluegrass festivals.