This is a fantastic collection from Columbia with 40 tracks featuring arguably Bill Monroe's best lineup, with the awesome Earl Scruggs on Banjo and Lester Flatt on his flat top Martin and vocals, and Dave 'Stringbean' Akeman (Stringbean and his wife were murdered by intruders in November 1973), Chubby Wise, Bill West, Tex Willis, Howard Watts (aka Cedric Rainwater) and Sally Ann Forrester. This is essential listening for anyone interested in Bluegrass, especially from the Father of Bluegrass himself, Mr Monroe. There is a 35 page glossy booklet with many photographs and interviews as well as track information and the session details.