Rising Fawn String Ensemble
Norman Blake · 1979
36 min · 11 tracks · country music
Traditional Appalachian melodies intertwine with intricate string arrangements, creating a warm and inviting acoustic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Medley: Over the Waterfall / Opera Reel / Cherokee Shuffle — This medley highlights Blake's exceptional ability to blend traditional tunes seamlessly, showcasing his intricate fingerpicking style and the ensemble's harmonic cohesion.
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Devil Chased Me Around the Stump — A lively track that captures the playful spirit of folk storytelling, featuring engaging rhythms and an infectious energy that embodies the album's essence.
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Old Ties — This poignant ballad stands out for its emotional depth, combining heartfelt lyrics with rich instrumentation that reflects Blake’s profound connection to his roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate arrangements and traditional melodies create a cohesive and inviting acoustic experience.
What we noticed
- Each track typically employs a combination of acoustic guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, creating a rich tapestry of interwoven melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- warm afternoon gatherings
- playful melodies for sing-alongs
- short reflective listening breaks
- intricate arrangements for detail lovers
- nostalgic vibes of tradition
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of fast-paced tracks
- prefer soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1979, 'Rising Fawn String Ensemble' came at a time when Norman Blake was solidifying his reputation as a master of American folk and bluegrass. This album followed his acclaimed work on the soundtrack for the film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' and showcased his virtuosic guitar skills and deep understanding of Southern musical traditions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Townes Van Zandt· Guy Clark
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Promise
The narrative shifts from a sense of longing to a commitment made, marking a pivotal emotional transition within the song.
This shift in focus transforms the song from mere reflection into a declaration of intent, enhancing its emotional weight.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Devil Chased Me Around the Stump 1:58
- 2 Charlie Gaither 3:33
- 3 Medley: Over the Waterfall / Opera Reel / Cherokee Shuffle 4:04
- 4 The Promise 2:09
- 5 Tin Foil and Stone 2:47
- 6 Three Ravens 1:59
- 7 Handsome Molly 3:33
- 8 Jeff Davis 2:33
- 9 Medley: Da Slockit Light / Briarpicker Brown / Stony Fork 4:58
- 10 Old Ties 4:47
- 11 Coming Down From Rising Fawn, Number Two 4:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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