CD-283 Frank Wakefield & Leon Morris

After mastering Bill Monroe’s style of mandolin in the 1950s and 60s, Frank Wakefield was encouraged by the father of bluegrass himself to create his own style on the mandolin. This famous meeting of the mandolin minds and its results have been well-documented, both on recordings and in print. What has not been emphasized previously is Wakefield’s songwriting talent. This album showcases several of his songs, some collaborations and some by his “own self.” 

Canadian born Leon Morris settled in the Washington DC area in the late 1950s. He partnered with Buzz Busby for several years and continues to  preform with his own band, Leon Morris and Associates. In addition to his singing and superb lead and rhythm guitar playing, Leon’s songwriting skills are presented here as well.

In their first collaboration since the 1960s, Wakefield & Morris, along with some of the greater Washington area’s finest musicians and harmony singers, have put together an outstanding  recording that any lover of bluegrass music will thoroughly enjoy.

Tom Mindte