| My Home Ain't In The Hall of Fame - J.D. Crowe & The New South | |
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Reviewed by Kathy Coleman
Every so often someone decides to release an album that serves to remind the listener
that "country music" and "bluegrass" are not separate genres. J. D. Crowe, ever a progressive
bluegrass performer, knew that way back in 1978. "Newgrass" isn't all that new; and like
bluegrass itself, is so tightly connected to country that it's often hard to see where the line is
drawn (if indeed there is a line).
With this disc, J.D. got himself a new singer, who was likewise looking to break away from "strictly bluegrass," and who was soon to become a breakout new name in country music, Keith Whitley. Together, the two brought to music a whole new sound, that newgrass real
country sound that is presented on this disc. This progressive, sharp, and delightful album has
been too long missing. Likely because it was too country for country and too progressive for
bluegrass purists, this album simply disappeared into American music history. With the
sardonic quality of the title track, "My Home Ain't In The Hall of Fame," it was clear that real
country artists of 1978 knew the same thing they know today. Except for that brief, glorious
time from 1986 to 1992, country music didn't want to sound like country.
J.D. Crowe and his New South DID want to sound country. This album is as pure and
fresh as a mountain stream, as country as cornpone and iced tea in a jar. With Whitley's
incomparable vocals shining with the accompaniment of Crowe's banjo, Jimmy Gaudreau on
mandolin, Bobby Slone on fiddle, Steve Bryant on bass, Doug Jernigan on steel guitar and
dobro, and Jimmy Ashby on drums, this sound is as strong and real as it was when they laid it
down.
This treasure of real country music is an absolute must for everyone who loves the sound
when great musicians bring together the diverse country strains of bluegrass, western swing, and
classic honky-tonk into one strong sound. My Home Ain't In the Hall Of Fame is as true as
country music can get. This is what country music should sound like. It's wonderful that it's
been recovered and finally presented on CD.
Song List:
Album cover, used with permission of Rounder Records.
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