The Rising Fawn String Ensemble

Released in 1979 on Rounder Records, The Rising Fawn String Ensemble represents a pivotal moment in Norman Blake's discography where his solo flatpicking brilliance expanded into a formal trio setting. Featuring his wife Nancy Blake on cello and James Bryan on fiddle, the album moved away from the more standard bluegrass configurations of the era toward a 'chamber-folk' sound that emphasized melodic counterpoint and tonal richness. The recording is celebrated for its inclusion of Nancy's cello, an instrument then-rare in traditional old-time music, which provided a unique low-end resonance that complemented Norman's dry, precise guitar style. The tracklist is a mix of traditional medleys and original compositions that reflect Blake's deep immersion in 19th-century American music. Critics often cite this era as the peak of Blake's 'Rising Fawn' period, characterized by a rejection of Nashville's commercial polish in favor of a rustic, high-fidelity acoustic purity.