|
|
Old and in the Gray, 2002
This is one of the best bluegrass albums of this year. “Now Heeeere’s to all the Good Old Boys…. This would be a sad old world without a lot of good old boys.” The 27 years since the release of Old and In the Way has created a lot of good old boys. These guys may show the wear, but the music is as smooth as Guiness - their timing, and the soul are still there. Herb Pedersen is providing and vocals and back up where Jerry Garcia had stood. An incredibly young (read - not gray) Bryn Bright fills the void left by John Kahn. David Grisman is as good if not a lot better than before, his mandolin playing can’t get better. Vassar Clements is great on fiddle and bass vocals (And I do hear him this time!) What can I say about Peter Rowan? Same voice; just can’t be called “Red” anymore. The songs include an excellent version of John Hartford’s “Good Old Boys”, two of Peter Rowan classics - “Meadow Green” and “Rainmaker”, and Bill Monroe’s “On the Old Kentucky Shores”. Not much as far as new material here but that is OK. “Barefoot Nellie” must be the inspiration for the inside fold of the cover. Great cartoon of dancing chickens, the beer bellied streaker, Great Grandpa and Grandma, over ‘accessorized’ girls, old and young having a great time (except for the pig). Nominate it for the cover of the year!!! This album is dedicated to Spud and Mule. Dawg Productions did a very good job on this one. It is proves these “good old boys” haven’t lost it after all these years. - Irene Taylor |
|||
