Mark O'Connor recorded his debut as a leader one day shy of his 13th birthday after winning numerous contests over the previous year or so.
According to liner note writer John Burke, who was O'Connor's first fiddle instructor, his young student was simultaneously learning and excelling on guitar, mandolin, banjo, and Dobro, as well. This 1974 session features O'Connor with guitarist
Charlie Collins and mandolinist
Norman Blake on a dozen bluegrass favorites. The veterans are generous about sticking to providing rhythm, leaving the solo spotlight to the developing virtuoso. O'Connor is obviously not nearly as polished as he became within just a few years, but it is a treat to hear this long-acclaimed virtuoso in his formative years, when his abilities and potential were already being recognized by numerous veterans of bluegrass. Sadly, Rounder has yet to reissue this remarkable album as a CD. ~ Ken Dryden