Summary
Spin back the clock and slip into a bluegrass world with “Yesterday and Today Volume 2” by The Country Gentlemen—a prized gem from the catalog, Fundamental Save 31. This collection presents a tapestry of rootsy, rapid-fire picking and soft-hearted harmonies, showcasing why The Country Gentlemen have earned their spot among the royalty of progressive bluegrass. Lovers of rich acoustic blends and storytelling will take on a journey through time, one that’s both a nod to traditionalism and a bold leap into new musical territories.

About the Artist
The Country Gentlemen began shaking up the bluegrass scene in the late 1950s, offering a contemporary edge to a genre steeped in long-standing tradition. The group, originally formed in Washington, D.C., boasted a rotating cast of virtuosos, but their vision remained sharply focused: push bluegrass forward without losing its soul. By the time “Yesterday and Today Volume 2” rolled around, the Gentlemen had already cemented their status as innovators, blending folk and country flavors with razor-sharp harmonies and dazzling instrumentation.
Founding members like Charlie Waller lent the band its signature baritone while Bill Emerson’s banjo and Doyle Lawson’s mandolin work laid down a fierce foundation. Their progressiveness earned them not just fans, but also accolades, most notably an induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor (now Hall of Fame).

About the Record
“Yesterday and Today Volume 2” is a playful patchwork of then and now, mixing beloved classics with newer, daring tunes. The album dips into the rich pool of American roots, blending traditional numbers with reinterpretations and fresh originals. It’s a showcase of bluegrass evolution, nodding to Bill Monroe’s legacy while also winking at folk, gospel, and country.
Unlike earlier, more traditionalist Gentlemen records, this volume reveals their adventurous side, bringing unique arrangements and genre-bending surprises. It’s a record that bridges old-school soulfulness and modern innovation—a quality that keeps collectors and casual listeners coming back for more.

About the Cover
If you appreciate subtle storytelling in a sleeve, “Yesterday and Today Volume 2” delivers. Its cover, while understated, serves as a visual handshake for the album inside.

About the Lyrics & Music
The heart of “Yesterday and Today Volume 2” lies in its lyrics and musicianship. The Country Gentlemen are at their storytelling best—delivering sharp narratives on love, hard times, and redemption that capture the everyday poetry of American life.

Conclusion
“Yesterday and Today Volume 2” stands as a must-spin for any bluegrass enthusiast or record collector. It traces the path of The Country Gentlemen as they balance reverence for the past with a daring vision for the future. With each groove and lyric, listeners experience the skill, heart, and history that launched the Gentlemen to legendary status.

Other Recommendations
If “Yesterday and Today Volume 2” strikes a chord, don’t stop there! Check out:

“The Country Gentlemen: Live in Japan” for their formidable stage presence.
The Country Gentlemen – “Nashville Jail” —a hidden treasure of unreleased tracks.
For a broader taste, spin Dillard’s “Back Porch Bluegrass” or The Seldom Scene’s “Act 1”—both offer more of that progressive, harmony-rich sound that puts a modern twist on classic bluegrass.
Rediscover bluegrass past and present—one spin at a time!