Larry McNeely Band – Power Play on vinyl LP. 1980 Flying Fish, banjoist from Glen Campbell Show. Ships from Germany.
About Power Play
A vinyl pressing of a 1980 instrumental record from acclaimed banjo player Larry McNeely, who replaced John Hartford on The Glen Campbell Show and later worked with Roy Acuff.
Power Play is an album by the Larry McNeely Band, released in 1980 via Flying Fish Records. McNeely, a five-string banjo player who began playing in 1961, built a notable career as a member of Roy Acuff’s Smokey Mountain Boys before joining The Glen Campbell Show as John Hartford’s replacement in 1969. This listing is a vinyl LP pressing from a Berlin based eBay seller.
- Who is Larry McNeely
- About Power Play
- The band's lineup
- Pressing details and buying advice
Fast Facts
- Artist Larry McNeely is an American five-string banjo player who began his career in 1961, known for his work with Roy Acuff and Glen Campbell.
- Release Power Play came out in 1980 via Flying Fish Records, an instrumental bluegrass and folk record.
- Career McNeely joined The Glen Campbell Show in 1969 as a replacement for John Hartford, and also worked with Burl Ives and the Smothers Brothers.
- Lineup Featured McNeely on banjo, guitar and harmonica, bassist and vocalist Johnny Pierce, drummer Tony Burke and multi-instrumentalist Raul Reynoso.
- Repertoire Ten tracks including the title track, Sleepy Eyes and Droids Reel.
Larry McNeely Band – Power Play (LP, Album)
Vinyl LP, Flying Fish Records
Vinyl LP pressing of Power Play, sold by a Berlin based eBay seller with 100% positive feedback.
Pressing Specifications
Who Is Larry McNeely?
Born in Lafayette, Indiana in 1948, Larry McNeely began playing banjo in 1961, absorbing both Don Reno's playing style and a melodic, chromatic approach that would come to define his own sound. He moved to Tennessee in 1965 to join the Pinnacle Mountain Boys before becoming a member of Roy Acuff's celebrated Smokey Mountain Boys, the same band featured on other releases from this shop's catalogue. In 1969, McNeely joined The Glen Campbell Show as a replacement for banjo player John Hartford, going on to work with Burl Ives and the Smothers Brothers before forming the Larry McNeely Trio in 1975.
About Power Play
Released via the respected roots and bluegrass label Flying Fish Records in 1980, Power Play showcases McNeely's banjo, guitar and harmonica playing across ten tracks, backed by bassist and vocalist Johnny Pierce, drummer Tony Burke and multi-instrumentalist Raul Reynoso on rhythm guitar and mandolin, with additional string and saxophone contributions rounding out the arrangements. The album moves through original compositions including the title track and Sevastopol alongside further material like Sleepy Eyes and the whimsically titled Droids Reel, showcasing McNeely's range as both a technically accomplished banjo player and a well rounded bandleader.
- From an accomplished banjo player with genuine Roy Acuff and Glen Campbell connections
- Released on the respected Flying Fish Records roots label
- Strong instrumental musicianship across a well rounded backing band
- A genuinely hard to find record, sought after by collectors
- Instrumental format won’t appeal to listeners wanting vocal-led songs
- Niche appeal outside bluegrass and instrumental banjo collectors
- A used copy; condition should be checked in the listing
What is Power Play by the Larry McNeely Band?
It is a 1980 instrumental bluegrass and folk album released via Flying Fish Records, showcasing McNeely’s banjo, guitar and harmonica playing.
Who is Larry McNeely?
An American five-string banjo player known for his work with Roy Acuff’s Smokey Mountain Boys and as John Hartford’s replacement on The Glen Campbell Show.
Who else is in the band on this album?
Bassist and vocalist Johnny Pierce, drummer Tony Burke and multi-instrumentalist Raul Reynoso, alongside additional string and saxophone players.
Is this album vocal or instrumental?
It is primarily instrumental, focused on showcasing McNeely’s banjo playing, with one vocal track by McNeely himself.
Does this listing ship outside Germany?
The seller is based in Berlin and lists a fixed shipping cost; check the current listing for up to date international shipping options and rates.
Where To Buy This Pressing
Worth The Spin?
- A well crafted instrumental bluegrass record from an accomplished banjo player
- Connected to both Roy Acuff and Glen Campbell's musical circles
- Best suited to fans of instrumental bluegrass and banjo virtuosity
Power Play showcases Larry McNeely’s genuine banjo talent and hard to find catalogue, and this listing offers a vinyl pressing from a highly rated German seller.