Together Again

• Artist: Reno & Smiley
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1971
• Genre: Country

Review

Banjoist Don Reno and guitarist/lead singer Red Smiley formed a formidable bluegrass duo from the early '50s until they amiably went their separate ways in 1964. In 1971 the duo's paths crossed once again, leading to the recording of Together Again, a little gem of an album. At a little over 30 minutes, the album will seem a bit short by 2006's standards (though lots of bluegrass groups still record 30- to 45-minute albums), but fans, glad to have it on vinyl in 1971, will be glad to have it out again on CD. The recording is real old-school, meaning the recording is mono and that even with modern polishing, screechy high notes remain. For people who like their bluegrass rough around the edges, however, these shortcomings complement Reno & Smiley's mountain style: Together Again is shot through with authenticity. If the album has a real weakness, it's that best tracks -- "Highway 52," "A Dime Looks Like a Wagon Wheel," and "Emotions" -- are frontloaded. It's also interesting to note the inclusion of "Soldier's Last Letter," an old pro-war song proudly played by Reno & Smiley as the Vietnam War raged on. Today, however, Together Again will be cherished for its bluesy bluegrass, fancy picking, and fine country harmonies. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Intro		Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(:12)
Highway 52		Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(2:20)
Somewhere, Someday Again	Don Reno, Dave Smiley	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(2:46)
A Dime Looks Like a Wagon Wheel	Don Reno, Dave Smiley	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(2:00)
Emotions	Don Reno	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(3:24)
Buck Ryan Rag	Buck Ryan	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(1:59)
Flowers Are Like People	Don Reno, Dave Smiley	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(2:34)
Mule Skinner Blues	George Vaughn	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(3:53)
Could I Stop Loving You	Don Reno, Dave Smiley	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(2:53)
Riverdale Flash	Don Reno, Dave Smiley	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(2:23)
Soldier's Last Letter	Redd Stewart, Ernest Tubb	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Bill Harrell, Don Reno	(3:39)
True or False	Don Reno, Dave Smiley	Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(2:50)
Shine, Hallelujah, Shine		Reno & Smiley, Red Smiley, Don Reno	(2:19)

Credits

Don Reno (Banjo), Bill Harrell (Guitar), Bill Harrell (Source Material), Don Reno (Baritone (Vocal)), Steve Chandler (Remixing), Don Reno (Vocals), John Eberle (Mastering), Don Reno (Guitar), Jack Casey (Producer), Don Reno (Tenor (Vocal)), Mark Freeman (Production Coordination), Sharon White (Source Material), Les Leverett (Photography), Eddie Stubbs (Liner Notes), John "Babbacombe" Lee (Photography), Red Smiley (Guitar), Dick Unteed (Producer), Red Smiley (Vocals), Red Smiley (Bass (Vocal)), Cheryl White (Source Material), Jack Casey (Engineer), Charlie Cushman (Assistant), Marvin Jones (Engineer), Jerry McCoury (Bass), Bill Harrell (Vocals), Pete Kuykendall (Photography), Bill Harrell (Tenor (Vocal)), Eddie Huffman (Photography), Buck Ryan (Fiddle), Jerry McCoury (Source Material), Eddie Stubbs (Reissue Producer), Jerry McCoury (Baritone (Vocal))

we came together again