I have always said that you can't possibly go wrong with a George Jones album, and this collection of previously unreleased duets is no exception. The songs are classic Jones and the added treat of a variety of superstars as duet partners make it almost like a dessert for the musical soul.
Unreleased Duets
Burn Your Playhouse Down is comprised of songs that George Jones recorded over the years that never quite made it onto the various projects they were recorded for. His duet partners range from the classic country sounds of Tammy Wynette, Vince Gill and Mark Chesnutt to collaborations with Rolling Stones member Keith Richards and veteran rocker Leon Russell. There is even a recent duet with daughter Georgette Jones. The timeline for the music ranges from the 1977 recording with Tammy Wynette to the 2007 duet with Georgette Jones.This project proves that George Jones is a performer whose sound transcends many genres of music and crosses the bridge of time with little effort. In 1988, Billy Sherrill produced a project called Friends in High Places, and three of the songs they didn't use were chosen for this project.
Seven of the songs came from the 1994 Bradley Barn Sessions. That particular session was recorded during one of the worst recorded ice storms in Tennessee history.
Some of the greatest superstars of the business braved the ice storms to record with someone they considered the greatest living country singer.
It is a great thing for fans that more songs were recorded than they could fit on those two projects since that meant we get even more great music.
'Burn Your Playhouse Down, Unreleased Duets' - The Songs:
The two songs that are used to bookend the project keep it in the family for Jones. The first song is a duet with daughter Georgette Jones, "You and Me and Time." It is a poignant reunion between father and daughter that acknowledge time spent apart while she was growing up while reaffirming that even though many memories are through photos and stories, their love for each other will always be there.George Jones and Tammy Wynette were a country duet powerhouse, releasing hit after hit. Their chemistry in song was undeniable. While going through the Epic Records vaults recently, an unreleased duet was discovered. That duet, "Lovin' You, Lovin' Me," closes out this incredible project.
In between is nothing but great music. Jones and Keith Richards rock a little with the title track. Jim Lauderdale is the duet partner for another rousing tune called "Tavern Choir" that talks about sending a beloved bar friend off in style. Dolly Parton joins Jones for "Rocking Years." Things slow down a little for songs like "Selfishness in Man" with Vince Gill and "When the Grass Grows Over Me" with Mark Chesnutt.
This is one of the best "real" country albums that I've heard in a long time. It will be a much loved addition to any country music collection.
Release date - August 19, 2008 - Bandit Records
'Burn Your Playhouse Down' Track List:
- You and Me and Time with Georgette Jones
- The Window Up Above with Leon Russell
- She Once Lived Here with Ricky Skaggs
- Rockin' Years with Dolly Parton
- Burn Your Playhouse Down with Keith Richards
- Selfishness in Man with Vince Gill
- Tavern Choir with Jim Lauderdale
- I Always Get It Right With You with Shelby Lynne
- When the Grass Grows Over Me with Mark Chesnutt
- I Always Get Lucky With You with Mark Knopfler
- You're Still on My Mind with Marty Stuart
- Lovin' You, Lovin' Me with Tammy Wynette