One of the first issues in Proper's "Pairs" series, this budget two-disc set is the most comprehensive overview of
Moon Mullican's music available, spanning his career from his days with the Blueridge Playboys in the mid-'30s to his solo recordings of the early '50s. Its 50 tracks don't contain all of his best recordings (no
Mullican collection does), but his most important songs -- "I'll Sail My Ship Alone," "New Jole Blon," and "Cherokee Boogie" -- are here, along with many other greats. The booklet contains one of the better essays on
Mullican's life and career, as well as detailed session notes.