Courtesy of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine January / February 2000 The name of Don Reno is firmly established in bluegrass history as a premier banjo master. This King release will add the title of "Flatpicking Guitar Master" to his credits. Originally recorded in the Nashville studios of King Records in November of 1972, the tapes have been resurrected and enhanced by dubbing in the instrumentation of Don's sons, Ronnie, Don Wayne, and Dale Reno. The informative booklet accompanying the CD tells how Don Reno managed to use the same Martin 00-18 for this recording session that his Father, Zebulon Reno, had given him some 36 years earlier when Don was a nine year old boy. The song list reads like a required repertoire for aspiring flatpickers. The medleys are like those nested Russian dolls, lots of great material clustered on one track. Give a listen to the "Guitar Medley In G" - great selections! "Polka On The Guitar" is a great version of "The Beer Barrel Polka." "Lady Hamlet" and the "Italian Waltz" are both great songs that I can't recall hearing before. It would have been a plus if the song writer credits were given for the selections. "The Old Spinning Wheel" is a highlight cut on the project. It's a treat to hear the fiddling of Buck Ryan woven in with Reno's guitar throughout the album. The "Hot Rize Flower Medley" is a wonderful bouquet of the "Wildwood Flower," "You Are My Flower" and "Sweet Bunch of Daisies." "Rocking Alone In An Old Rocking Chair" is absolutely beautiful! Don Reno embellishes this old standard with some great pick work! "Train Medley" and the "Dixie Medley" will also please the ear. The "Peacock Rag" is also one to add to your learning list. "Tarnation," a Don Reno creation, winds up the album and you have immersed yourself in 35 minutes of flatpicking history. Thanks to King Records and the Reno Brothers for opening this musical window to the past. Good music is ageless! The Golden Guitar Of Don Reno is an essential CD for your collection. Highly recommended!   Courtesy of The Sounding Board Don Reno, perhaps better known for his banjo playing, was also one of the pioneers of flatpicking guitar style. This classic 1972 instrumental King Records release features Don playing his double pickguarded D-28* with Bill Harrell on rhythm guitar and Buck Ryan on fiddle. The licks are lightning fast and articulate, a must for lovers of single note soloing. *King Records note: Reno is pictured with a D-28 on the album cover, but he actually recorded the album with a Martin Double Ought 18.