Search - J.D. Crowe & New South :: My Home Ain't in the Hall of Fame

A 1970s newgrass gem

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 02/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An alumnus of one of the early 1960s top bluegrass bands, banjo player Crowe set out in the '70s as a newgrass traditionalist, skirting the border between bluegrass and country in much the same way as his mentor, Jimmy Martin. This is my favorite of the New South albums (though the rest are all good, too) and is one of the highwater marks of the '70s progressive bluegrass scene... It features a gorgeous version of the title track, Jonathan Edward's classsic alterna-country anthem, as well as upbeat versions of "Gone, Gone, Gone" and "My Window Faces The South." The band also included fiddler Bobby Sloane, bluegrass whizkid, Jimmy Gaudreau, and the late Keith Whitley (who went on to briefly become a big Nashville Top 40 guy). Lots of fun, and highly recommended."

More Country Than Bluegrass

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 06/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just a year after their Rebel Records release BLACKJACK, J.D Crowe & the New South released an album that was more country than bluegrass. Not only does the new lineup feature a fulltime drummer, but future country star Keith Whitley is on board providing guitar and lead vocals. Sure, there are still bluegrass tunes like "She's Gone, Gone, Gone" and "My Window Faces the South," but Crowe is obviously courting a wider audience with more country-sounding fare like the steel guitar-driven title track and the wonderful "Railroad Lady." They also turn in a version of "Sin City" that is superior to their version that appeared on BLACKJACK--mostly due to Doug Jernigan's excellent steel guitar. While this album may not have pleased the more hardcore bluegrass fans, it was a welcome change to hear more traditional country than what Nashville was turning out at the time. RECOMMENDED"

Keith Whitely Shines

Chip Granite | Paducah, KY United States | 01/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"


While this is not a traditional bluegrass album in any since, it is a treasure of an album. JD Crowe is known well in bluegrass circles and his name should tell you he will have a top notch band. And the band on this record is top notch to say the least. Everyone plays at the top of their game. The addition of drums and pedal steel though don't quite make this a traditional bluegrass album but, Keith Whitely's vocals make up for any doubts you may have about this one. Keith Whitely was a true and tried treasure in his time. His crooning and Merle Haggard cry are worth the price of this one alone. Don't pass this one up if you like country and maybe a little bluegrass or even lovers of bluegrass should love this for Keith's work alone.

"