Heartfelt, matter-of-fact minstrelsy that captures stirring,
J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 08/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Playing Time - 43:10 -- Tom. T. and Dixie Hall both tell tales, and they can find endearing stories in nearly anything. The first lyrics out of the speakers declare, "Hand me that guitar, give me a pick / well I think I've got something to say / I'm a coal mining man, and I am who I am / and I wouldn't have it any other way." They keep their lyrics straight-forward and conversational, and the melodies establish moods that reinforce the messages.
The award-winning songwriting team has also endeared themselves to the bluegrass music community, with their songs frequently appearing on others' albums. "Pretty Green Hills," for example became the title cut for Dave Evans' 2006 release on Rebel Records (REB CD-1812), a candidate for nomination as IBMA's album of the year. Back in 2002, the fine Virginia-based band Nothin' Fancy used one of these same songs from the Halls for their album's title cut, "Once Upon a Road" (Pinecastle PRC-1120). It's a story about bygone days when one was innocent, free and fighting for a dream. "Once upon a road / we could live off of the land / watermelons on the vine / chicken cookin' in a pan." While many of the Halls' songs have been and will continue to be sung by others, it's always a treat to hear a songwriter interpret his own stories with one's personal vocal inflection, articulation, phrasing, and emotional dynamics.
This album's seed was planted when Tom gave a special Christmas gift to Dixie. The card laid out a vision and plan -- "This is good for a CD. We'll record in our studio. You choose the songs and the pickers. You produce and I'll do songs we have written together." At first, Miss Dixie was a little suspicious thinking it just a ploy to keep her from holiday shopping, but it wasn't long before a number of top bluegrass musicians were stopping by the Halls' studio at Fox Hollow in Franklin, Tn. to lay down tracks for "Tom T. Hall Sings Miss Dixie & Tom T." The studio used to be kennels for as many as fifty showdogs back when Tom T. was on the road doing mainstream country. The recording sessions took place primarily over a three-day period.
Supplementing Tom T's lead vocals and guitar on this bluegrass album are instrumentalists Kristin Scott Benson (banjo), Wayne Benson (mandolin), Robert Bowlin (rhythm guitar, Dobro), Mike Bub (bass), Glen Duncan (fiddle), Terry Eldredge (guitar), Ben Isaacs (bass), Randy Kohrs (resonator guitar), Jimmy Martin (guitar), Earl Scruggs (banjo), Tim White (banjo). Background vocals are sung by Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs, Don Rigsby, and Josh Williams. King of Bluegrass Jimmy Martin passed away on May 14, 2005, but the closing number, "Jimmy Martin's Life Story" captures conversation, his famous guitar G-run, and spine-tingling yodel.
Born in Kentucky in 1936, Tom T. Hall's voice may have aged a bit, but he's still a fine bluegrass troubadour. "Somewhere in Kentucky Tonight" captures recollections of an Ohio millworker for his weather-beaten homeplace along that dusty road leading back into the hills. A tender ballad, "A Hero in Harlan" relates the story of a young Kentuckian who joins the Army after being unable to land a job in the coal mines. Interestingly, we know from the song's first line that he returns home in a gray silver casket draped in the stars and stripes, but the real sentiment is that "he'll be a hero in Harlan like all the young soldier's before / he's not the first and won't be the last to lay down his life in war." Not meant to be an anti-war plea, it's a heartrending factual statement. "One of Those Days (When I Miss Lester Flatt)" speaks to coming from a whole different school of music. The Halls call their BMI publishing company "Good Home Grown Music." That's a very fitting moniker for their heartfelt and matter-of-fact minstrelsy that uniquely captures stirring and honest observations about life. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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The best Tom T. yet!!
Peter M. Robinson | Lincoln Park, NJ | 07/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tom T. Hall's voice has definitely changed, but not his style. This is his best work."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1