Various Artists

In Memory Of A Friend- A Tribute To The Music Of Randall Hylton

(Pinecastle PRC 1116) 42:58

Often, the measure of a man is not felt until he passes from this world to the next.  If this tribute to Randall Hylton is an indication, he was a much beloved and respected man.

Hylton, who died unexpectedly in March of 2001, left a rich and influential catalog of songs and performances within the bluegrass world.  Those who knew and appreciated the breadth of his work revered his songwriting talents.

Lovingly compiled by the team at Pinecastle, this collection features several Hylton compositions drawn from their catalog, two Eddie & Martha Adcock recordings made especially for the disc, and two performances that feature Hylton himself.  All proceeds from the sales of this tribute album are being allocated to an educational fund established for Hylton’s son Blake.

Most of the tracks included are quite familiar and all were either written or co-written by Hylton.  Wildfire’s “Rough Edges” kicks of the project with their lonesome country sound and Continental Divide contribute two songs from their most recent release.  Special Consensus, featuring Josh Williams’s lead vocal, performs “32 Acres,” a track originally included on their 25^th Anniversary collection.  The Rarely Herd, Larry Stephenson Band, and Gary Ferguson have also donated tracks to this project.

The Adcock tracks, an instrumental “Pentecostal Camp Meeting” and “Slipper With Wings,” were recorded in June 2001 and should appeal to fans.  Hylton’s collaboration with Charlie Waller (“Oh, Anita”) and his own version of ‘Room At The Top Of The Stairs” round out his collection and provide support for the belief that an icon has been lost to the bluegrass community.

The disc is largely comprised of contemporary bluegrass numbers that feature the required elements- tight harmonies, impeccable instrumentation, and rich lead vocals. The Bluegrass Community is very closely knit; this tribute album is a testament to that fabric of family.  It is a worthy remembrance to Hylton and serves a higher purpose for his family.  (Pinecastle Records, PO Box 456, Orlando, FL 32802 www.pinecastle.com) (DT)

The Coal Porters

The Chris Hillman Tribute Concerts

(Prima SID 013) 52:03

Within a band of fascinating characters, Chris Hillman was, for me, always the most cool of the Flying Burrito Brothers.  I would like to think it was because I sensed the soulful spirit of bluegrass he brought to their albums.  Perhaps it was the solid sense of musicianship and stability he projected while surrounded by an occasionally raggle taggle group of musicians.  Maybe it was simply because he co-wrote “Wheels.”  It could have been the hair.

Whatever his reasons, Sid Griffin was similarly taken by the California-born Hillman.

The Coal Porters, Griffin’s (ex-Long Ryders, current music journalist and performer) long running England-based group seemingly dedicated to promoting all things Gram Parsons, turn their collective heads in a respectful nod to Hillman- ex-Byrd, ex- Flying Burrito, ex- Desert Rose Band, and current member of Out Of The Woodwork. 

Despite being recorded at various gigs in London, Nashville, Louisville, and New York City and with a variety of sidemen, this album is remarkably cohesive and provides a tremendous overview of the bluegrass tinged legacy and being that is Chris Hillman.

Completely acoustic, there is no arguing the instrumental chops and motivation of eighth generation (both sides) Kentuckian Griffin and his compatriots of Irish, Scottish, and English ancestry.  This is an entertaining, high-octane bluegrass homage to a country-rock pioneer.

The playing is loose- comfortably relaxed, never sloppy- without the gloss of a precision bluegrass band.  The heartfelt intent is to pay tribute to an idol and icon.

The banjo playing of Pat McGarvey is at the forefront of most numbers including a version of Leon Payne’s “The Lost Highway” (sung here by Neil Robert Herd) and “I Am A Pilgrim,” a cut Hillman sang on the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo album.  Griffin’s mandolin performance, while not stellar in the sense of a Thile or Bush, is enthusiastic and spot on.

For those who remember Hillman from the Scottsville Squirrel Barkers (or at least have heard the reissued disc) to those who thought the Desert Rose Band was the brightest spot in the late-eighties neo-traditional country landscape, The Chris Hillman Tribute Concerts is a must purchase.

In true bluegrass spirit the album closes with Griffin’s voice over the P.A.- “CDs in the lobby!” (DT)

(Sid Griffin, Prima Records, PO Box 2539, London, England NW3 6DF United Kingdom or www.sidgriffin.com)