Bluegrass Canada Review

“Hootenanny”

David Grier with Tim O’Brien and Dirk Powell

 

The casual shopper may dismiss this project as a rehash of some standard material. The more astute shopper that is acquainted with the innovative surprises and musical genius that lie within any David Grier recording will snap it up.

David puts a new pair of shoes on Old Joe Clark and takes him a stroll, and it works out very nicely. Tim O’Brien is assisting on all cuts in a vocal or instrumental capacity with his trademark bouzouki (No, not the weapon that you shoot at tanks!).  Tim also does his usual fine performance on fiddle and mandolin. Ragtime Annie is sporting a new dress as David and crew add a few new twists to this and the other time-tested standards on the project.
We’re also treated to several David Grier originals. I really like Have You Ever Been To England. Check out the great old-time banjo styling of Dirk Powell. Dirk also plays accordion, fiddle, and bass on the album. Talented guy! Lonnie and Maybelle, another Grier creation, is a wonderful jazzy little tune enhanced by the scat singing of Tim “Satchmo” O’Brien. Cascade is another winner for David.

High Dad in the Morning is a composition by the patriarch of the Dillards and takes on a Cajun flavor with the insertion of the accordion. The Red Haired Boy is sporting a ponytail and gold earring. Proving once again that time-tested evergreens can be tastefully arranged and given a new spin without losing the basic elements of the tune.

Little Rabbit is a great arrangement of an old tune, and is the only track with vocals, that is, vocals I can understand. Scat is like Ebonics to my untrained ears. Have You Ever Seen The Devil Uncle Joe and Lonesome Road Blues are cuts that really showcase the David Grier mastery of the guitar.

Hootenanny is a word that came about in the 60’s to define a folk music gathering. This project is a very pleasant listenable, effort by creative and talented musicians that deserve your attention, so don’t be waiting around for the next folk revival before you add a copy to your listening library.  

Larry Robinson, Bluegrass Canada January/February 1999