We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
Some of you will remember the bluegrass revival of the 1970s. It led to alot of guys re-inventing themselves or bringing back a style of music that had been popular in the Appalachian Mountains through the 30’s, 40’s and 50s and freshening it for a newer, younger audience. it led to festivals all over the place including the Mole Lake area of Northern Wisconsin.
One of the purveyors of this “New Grass” revolution was John Hartford. He grew up on the Mississippi River in St. Louis and developed a unique style both musically and vocally. He played the fiddle and banjo with aplomb and his 1972 Lp was a tasty treat called “Morning Bugle”.
Hartford was able to pursue the musical niche that he wanted because earlier in his career he had performed on televison in LA and wrote a massive hit song. The TV shows were The Smother Brothers Comedy Hour and The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour and the hit song was ‘Gentle On My Mind”. The song was a big hit for Campbell and earned 4 Grammys, two of which went to Hartford.
Hartford called “Gentle On My Mind” the song that bought his freedom.
The album Morning Bugle features Hartford on banjo, guitar, violin and vocals along with jazz bassist Dave Holland and Norman Blake on guitar and mandolin.
His vocal tunes are quirky like “Howard Hughes Blues”, “Old Joe Clark” and “Bye-Bye”. He also does a heartfelt paen to Nashville with “Nobody Eats at Linebaughs Anymore”.
His instrumentals on the record are alot of fun too.
Many of the younger bluegrass pickers like Sam Bush cite Hartford as a glorious inspiration. That they could make a living playing the music they loved.
Its’ a fun little record.
I’ll be off Monday for Labor Day. The next record review will be next Tuesday. Enjoy your weekend.
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