Biography

Jesse McReynolds' tremolo on mandolin opens this album with the Mac Wiseman title cut that sets the stage for the classic bluegrass to come, as well as to thank fans for many years of support and prayers. Although Jim McReynolds was not able to sing in the studio for this project, he offers his characteristically solid and adept rhythm guitar work. Guest artist Charles Whitstein sings harmony on "Standing at the End of My World," "If You Need Me, I'll Be Around," and "I Hope You're Lonely." The latter is a new uptempo song by Jesse, which calls for an ex-love to be haunted by memories of the past. Besides playing mandolin, Jesse plays mandodobro on that and four other cuts. Virginia Boys Matthew Allred and Luke McKnight harmonize with Jesse on a number of other tracks, such as the title cut, "As Long As I Live," "Before I Met You" and "Grin and Bear It." The song, "I Couldn't Believe it was True," features the same vocal trio and is given a full arrangement accentuated by a twin mandolin break (presumably played by Jesse and Luke), and a couple of twin fiddle breaks of Glen Duncan and Buddy Griffin. The lead vocals for a hard-driving rendition of "Mississippi Moon" are very ably handled by Luke McKnight (who also happens to be Jesse's grandson). Lloyd Douglas really tears that one up on banjo. The album's closer is a remixed and remastered "She's Running Wild," originally recorded in 1996 with Jim singing tenor. That's the classic Jim & Jesse sound we'll never forget. Jim eventually succumbed to cancer on December 31, 2002, and this album is only one small part of his extensive legacy that spans over five decades of performance, recording and other accomplishments with his brother.
Other guest artists on this album include Charlie Cushman, Monty Hall, Jimmy Melton, Blaine Sprouse, Jimmy Capps, Buddy Griffin, Vic Jordan, Weldon Myric, and Jimmy Whiting. Always professional in everything they've done, Jim & Jesse's final studio album together is another shining example of solid music from two masters and their proficient bluegrass band. - Joe Ross