There's no other sound like Earl Scruggs playing banjo - a nuclear explosion of reckless forward motion, executed with a craftsman's precision.

Essential gives that sound its due with a two-disc, 40- track overview that lovingly traces Earl's evolution from his days with Bill Monroe through his teaming with Lester Flatt and solo stardom. Both the expected touchstones ("Foggy Mountain Breakdown," "The Ballad of Jed Clampett") and rare treats demonstrate the depth of Earl's innovation and his pure fiery-fingered genius.