There’s something special about a song that strikes such a deep chord with fellow musicians. John Hartford’s “In Tall Buildings” is a perfect example. Its gentle folk melody carries words that speak to the quiet heartbreak of all that’s lost when life becomes consumed by work in “tall buildings.” I was introduced to the song […]
On the Road: A Tribute To John Hartford
For the most part, Bill Monroe invented the bluegrass genre over a period of years. The progressive/new grass/indie grass branch of the tree, though, can possibly be related to a single album, John Hartford’s Aereo-Plain. Therefore it’s fitting that so many of that strand’s best known groups jumped in to contribute a cover of one […]
John Hartford – Aereo Pain/Morning Bugle
Normally a reissue of an old record isn’t such a big deal, but the December 2012 reissue of John Hartford’s Aereo Plain/Morning Bugle CD was a big deal for bluegrass fans because Aereo Plain, one of the most important records of the bluegrass – or “New Grass” – revival in the 1970s, had been almost impossible […]
Danny Barnes – Pizza Box
I miss John Hartford. He had a rare combination of incredible musicianship, a sly sense of humor, and an unmatched story-telling ability. The result were songs that were fun: fun to listen to, fun to sing along with, and no doubt fun to perform. There’s a lot of that fun in Danny Barnes’ latest release, […]