Biography, by Sid Griffin and scooped it up, being a huge fan of GP. Turns out Sid is quite a journalist as well. He has written many liner notes, including liners for GP reissues, The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, etc. The Coal Porters are the world’s first
“alt-bluegrass” act, demonstrating the power of fiddle, mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar and doghouse bass when paired with four-part harmonies and memorable melodies. No. 6, the band’s sixth record (yes, I fig-
ured that out myself), features ten songs. and not a dud in the bunch. The Blind Bartender” boasts Griffin’s creative lyrics, set to an acoustic backdrop reminiscent of early David Bowie. In fact, the opening refrain brings “Space Oddity” to mind as clearly as a spring morning on Freecloud. “Chopping the Garlic” is a really nice instrumental romp, with Kerenza Peacock sawing some fine fiddle, and Paul Fitzgerald tearing it up on banjo. Ultra- tight harmony vocals kick of “Salad Days,” an- other good one, and then there’s “Another Girl, Another Planet,” one of the best songs on the record. It’s a bouncy, happy love song, un- derscored with more of that remarkable fid- dle/violin. Now, the song that opens the album
must be given its due. I would almost be will- ing to bet big money that this is the first ever bluegrass song that pays tribute to The Ra- mones. No kidding. I love it. “The Day The Last Ramone Died” redefines originality. Funny thing is, I fully understand the senti- ment. Gabba, gabba hey. One thing I noticed. The CD sleeve lists
“Shelter from the Storm.” I thought they were doing a Dylan cover. As it turns out, it was simply a misprint. The song is “Save Me from the Storm,” and it’s a good one, with that whole gospel thing going on. No. 6 is an exercise in great picking,
originality, Americana and bluegrass, all wrapped up in a tortilla. In the words of Chris Hardwick, enjoy the burrito.
-Michael Buffalo Smith
Circlin’ Back Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (Warner Nashville) The Nitty Gritty Dirt
Band has been a favorite of mine as far back as I can remember.With Cir- clin’ Back, the band cele-
brates 50 years of music, recorded live at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and just let me say, the guys sound as good today as they did on my favorite Dirt Band record, Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy, back in the early ‘70’s.
For this momentous occasion, the band
is joined by a plethora of superstars- John Prine, Jackson Browne, Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell, Jerry Douglas, Vince Gill, Byron House, Alison Krauss, Jerry Jeff Walker, and founding NGDB member Jimmy Ibbotson. Make no mistake about it, this is one hot
concert (also available on DVD). From John Prine’s “Grandpa Was a Carpenter” and “Par- adise,” to Vince Gill’s tribute to Doc Watson, “Tennessee Stud,” it’s just one magic moment after another, with Sam Bush burning up the mandolin in a tribute to Merle Travis on “Nine Pound Hammer.” Jackson Browne sings from his very soul on “These Days,” and the angelic voice of Alison Krauss covers the Carter Fam- ily’s “Keep On The Sunny Side” and “Catfish John” with Jerry Douglas on Dobro. Rodney Crowell sings The Dirt Band’s Jimmy Buffet- esque “An American Dream,” as well as “Long Hard Road.” Jerry Jeff Walker sings his “Mr. Bojangles,” a song that has been very good to the Dirt Band. Jimmy Ibbotson reunites with his band mates for “Fishin’ in then Dark,” and the band rocks through “Bayou Jubilee” and “Jambalya” before bringing everyone out for a rousing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” So many great memories, so much fun.
This one is not to be missed. -Michael Buffalo Smith
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