Various Artists

A Tribute to John Hartford- Live From Mountain Stage

(Blue Plate Music BPM 405) 59:55

Few artists moved as comfortably between country, bluegrass, folk, and old time music as John Hartford.  Whether playing fiddle or sporting the banjo, Hartford was an artist for the ages, revered and cherished by both friends and fans.

A Tribute to John Hartford- Live from Mountain Stage is a fitting testament to the influence and range of John Hartford.  It brings together a diverse group of musicians including Norman Blake, Bela Fleck, and Riders in the Sky.

The album begins with a startlingly sincere and vibrant duet of “Gentle On My Mind;” Kathy Mattea and Tim O’Brien bring a freshness honed in friendship to Hartford’s most successful songwriting credit.

Another highlight is Gillian Welch’s sombre reading of “In Tall Buildings”; typically, Welch and partner David Rawlings perform flawlessly, bringing a maudlin dimension to this song of terminal frustration.

The album’s strongest performance is possibly from John Cowan; “Dark as a Dungeon” has seldom been as soulfully rendered as it is here by Cowan and an ace band featuring the twin banjos of Fleck and Scott Vestal. 

Reflecting on his musical influences, Hartford and his band perform a brief, riveting set demonstrative of the thoughtful, evocative quality Hartford brought to acoustic music.  “In the Heart of the Cross Eyed Child,” “Me and My Fiddle,” and the “The Boys From North Carolina” respectfully pay tribute to Bill Monroe, Benny Martin, and Earl Scruggs.  The performances feature the brilliant Mike Compton on mandolin punctuated with Hartford’s trademark irreverent, good- natured humour.

A Tribute to John Hartford- Live from Mountain Stage was recorded in September of last year and, while I would not presume to know Hartford’s wishes, would likely be a project Hartford would be proud to have stand as one of his final recordings.  This album is a perfect companion piece for Hartford’s performances on the Down from the Mountain and O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtracks.  www.blueplatemusic.com (DT) 

Dry River Boys

Words To Live By

(Self-Released DRBCD-0600002) 30:44

These young bluegrass musicians from Winkler, Manitoba, carry a torch for traditional bluegrass gospel sounds. 

Their relaxed, comfortable approach to music comes through on this recently released gospel disc.  It is a big step forward for the closely-knit band who made their recorded debut on 1997’s Blue Road.

Largely featuring numbers taken from the bluegrass gospel canon, the Dry River Boys possess a warm sound with tight three- and four-part harmonies.  The repertoires of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Stanleys, and the Bluegrass Album Band have been respectfully mined to create a satisfying bluegrass gospel album.

Guitarist Joe Teichroeb shares the lead vocal duties with his band mates throughout this disc.  He is an excellent Rice-influenced player whose resonating vocal style shines on several numbers including “Just Let Me Fall.” 

Banjoist Alvin Elias sings lead on only one track, “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand,” but his is a compelling vocal performance.

Kevin Elias, the band’s mandolin player, contributes his haunting voice to Flatt & Scruggs’s “He Took Your Place.”  He also provides the disc’s lone original composition, “Lord Save This Sinner.”

Even the acoustic bass player gets to step to the mic as Calvin Klassen sings two harmony rich numbers, “Gone Away,” and “Gleam Of That Golden Morning.”

The Dry River Boys live performances, which feature several strong bluegrass originals, lend promise to future recorded projects.  For now, this collection of sparkling gospel numbers should be enough to satisfy most fans. (Box 2064, Winkler, MB, R6W 4B8 CANADA)  (DT)