Search - Jimmie Dale Gilmore :: Come on Back

A loving tribute to Jimmie Dale's father

R. Hutchinson | a world ruled by fossil fuels and fossil minds | 09/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the latest fantastic album from Jimmie Dale Gilmore, the only kind I've heard, and I've heard them all! COME ON BACK is a "memorial and tribute to my father," says Gilmore -- "it consists of songs that he particularly loved." There are 13 tracks here, and every one is a gem. Joe Ely produced, and the musicianship is incredible, with Chris Searles on drums, Gary Herman on bass, Eamon McLoughlin on fiddle, Robbie Gjersoe on all manner of guitar, Jimmie Dale on acoustic guitar, Joe Ely on various and sundry, and of course Jimmie Dale's unbelievable voice.



Here's a little of what Gilmore says about his father, Brian Gilmore, who recently died of ALS (amyotropic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease): "My dad was not a materialistic man. He was unimpressed by fancy houses, stylish clothing, expensive automobiles, or any of the other trappings of our status-conscious society. The drive to seek power, prestige and wealth was not part of his makeup." And he goes on to describe his father's deep love of music, and his singing and guitar playing.



Several of the songs reflect the attitude Jimmie Dale describes -- "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down," "Saginaw, Michigan," and "Jimmie Brown the Newsboy" in particular contain a perspective sympathetic to working people and disdainful of the haughty wealthy class. The only song on the album that I am personally familiar with is "Gotta Travel On," which I recognize from my childhood, and I have no idea where I heard it or whose version, but it brings back pleasant memories:



"I've layed around and played around this old town too long -- summer's almost gone and winter's coming on. I've layed around and I've played around this old town too long and I feel like I've gotta travel on."



Jimmie Dale says his favorite is the Hank Williams tune "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive," a wry truth if there ever was one, and I can see why -- I think I might agree. The best line is when the protagonist inherits from an uncle "quite a batch," and then "one fateful day a lawyer proves I was never born, but only hatched." Other highlights are "Don't Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes," which the band takes at a breakneck pace, the Hank Snow tune "I'm Movin' On," the Johnny Cash tune "Train of Love," and of course the beautiful closer "Peace in the Valley," in which the lion lies down with the lamb, a vision of peace.



Jimmie Dale Gilmore is one of my favorite artists -- COME ON BACK deepens my love of his music and stands with his finest records!"

Classic

Paul W. Dennis | Winter Springs, FL USA | 11/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a guy who looks like an old hippie (he's 60) Jimmie sure is a fan of traditional country music. This outstanding album is composed of some of his late father's favorite songs. Here's the list of songs and who originally sang them:



Pick Me Up On Your Way Down (Charlie Walker)

Saginaw Michigan (Lefty Frizzell)

Memphis Blues (Jimmie Rodgers)

Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes (Slim Willet / Skeets

McDonald / Ray Price / Perry Como)

Four Walls (Jim Reeves)

I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive (Hank Williams)

Walkin' The Floor Over You (Ernest Tubb)

I'm Moving On (Hank Snow)

Don't Worry About Me (Marty Robbins)

Train Of Love (Johnny Cash)

Jimmie Brown The Newsboy (Flatt & Scruggs)

Gotta Travel On (Billy Grammer)

Peace In The Valley (Red Foley)"

He Ain't Hank but He Is Jimmie Dale

Arch Stanton | Bondurant, WY USA | 12/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Those reviewers who lament that Jimmie isn't adding any new dimensions to these songs are missing the point. This is back porch music, not made for revelation but for pure enjoyment. While I find Jimmie's records to be a bit uneven, this album is almost pure strength and warmth. Joe Ely's production is occasionally a bit sanitary for my tastes (ex: Flatlanders' "Now Again") but this time he hit the bullseye. Highly recommended!"