There is a Time 1963-70

There was a serious dearth of Dillards material out there until Rodney Dillard put together this 28-tune assortment from their out-of-print Elektra LPs! Pioneering folk-rock from the guys who once were the Darlin' Boys on The Andy Griffith Show !

The Dillards combine accomplished picking and harmonizing with a forward-looking approach to bluegrass. These 28 songs follow them from 1963's tradition-based quartet to 1965's fiddle-soaked instrumental virtuosity to open-minded country rock. In a way, their progression makes perfect sense: With their Ozark Mountain upbringing as the foundation, the Dillards absorbed a variety of influences from their new big-city home. The early quartet-with guitarist/vocalist Rodney Dillard, amazing banjo picker Doug Dillard, and mandolinist Dean Webb-offer rousing gospels, a Dylan cover, and classic folk and bluegrass originals such as "The Old Home Place." Fiddler Byron Berline joins the fray in 1965 for potent hot-picking displays. Their later work, featuring Herb Pedersen, adds drums, pedal steel, electric guitar, and even orchestras. Few bands balance the past and the future as successfully. --Marc Greilsamer