Thirty years ago, the Bluegrass Cardinals were a new and unknown entity. All of that changed with the release of their 1976 self-titled debut project on the Sierra label. Tom Sauber, in his excellent notes to the original release, outlined the personnel of, and the circumstances for the formation of, the Bluegrass Cardinals. He was unable to know at the time what an impact this album would have for the band.

Radio response was immediate and heavy, as DJs keyed into their unique arrangements on country standards like “Are You Missing Me.” And the powerful a cappella rendering of “There Is A Fountain” helped to solidify a trend for unaccompanied singing that was just taking shape in bluegrass. Of the original material on the project, Bill Bryson’s “Girl At The Crossroads Bar” was picked up by Larry Sparks and transformed into a bluegrass standard. And David Parmley’s rendering of “Leaving Harlan” remained a Cardinals staple for many years.

Given the popularity and longevity of the Bluegrass Cardinals, and the many successes they have attained, it is refreshing to have the opportunity, thirty years later, to go back to the music which started it all. Copper Creek is pleased to make this landmark debut recording available again. To retain as much of the feel of the original release as possible, this reissue makes use of the original front cover artwork, period photographs, and, Tom Sauber’s original liner notes.