A master storyteller (whether he opens his mouth or not), Norman Blake's grace, subtlety, and facility - both verbal and instrumental - have had a powerful influence on three generations of acoustic musicians. From his own magical solo records to his sessions with Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, and Tony Rice (which won an IBMA award), Norman Blake is one of the most distinct voices of the flat-picked acoustic guitar. As a songwriter, his songs have found their way into albums by such luminaries as the New Grass Revival, the Tony Rice Unit and the Seldom Scene. Blackberry Blossom, first released in 1977, finds his songwriting and instrumental ability equally sharp. Be it lickity-split single note runs, rock-solid rhythmic strumming, or a masterful combination of both, his flat-picking is peerless. And his songs - dripping with bittersweet evocations of rural America - are utterly enchanting. Nancy Blake, playing cello and guitar, adds an elegance and stateliness to one of Norman's strongest and most varied collections.