Remastered Edition of Joe Maphis’ Flat-Picking Spectacular

County Music Heritage Records, or CMH Records for short, has recently released the remastered version of Joe Maphis’ Flat-Picking Spectacular, a classic 26-track collection. Known as the “King of Strings,” Joe was a master of multiple instruments, including the guitar, fiddle, and 4-string banjo. This album also features special guests such as Merle Travis, Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith, Zen Cook, and Johnny Gimble.

Joe’s incredible skill in handling various instruments earned him the title of “Mr. and Mrs. Country Music” alongside his wife, Rose Lee Maphis. He was also the first known player to flat-pick fiddle tunes, which was not the standard at the time. Throughout his career, Joe’s talents brought him to radio stations, television, and even film scores.

The original release of Flat-Picking Spectacular in 1981 on CMH Records was nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Country Instrumental Performance” category. This collection offers a unique opportunity to experience legendary artists performing folk, bluegrass, and fiddle tunes with the speed and accuracy that comes from years of hard work.

Some notable tracks include “Memories of Maybelle” and “Carter Country,” paying tribute to Joe’s hero, Mother Maybelle Carter. The album also features extended renditions of “Irish Washerwoman” and “Sailor’s Hornpipe,” as well as recognizable tunes like “Cripple Creek,” “Duelin’ Banjos,” and “Riders in the Sky.”

Founded by Martin Haerle in 1975, CMH Records has released albums from influential artists in American roots music. Their foundational recordings in bluegrass, old time, and traditional country from the 1970s and 1980s included Merle Travis, The Osborne Brothers, Mac Wiseman, Joe Maphis, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Grandpa Jones, Lester Flatt, and Eddie Adcock.

In the 1990s and beyond, CMH Records continued to produce music with artists such as “The Queen of Rockabilly” Wanda Jackson, Raul Malo, Larry Cordle, Pine Mountain Railroad, and Jimmy Gaudreau. Their commitment to authentic American music and their ongoing “Pickin’ On” series, which features bluegrass covers of contemporary artists like Nirvana and Modest Mouse, has helped them maintain their reputation as a family business with a rich history and distinct style. Today, the label is run by Martin’s son, David.

Buy Joe Maphis’ Flat-Picking Spectacular