Rambling Boy

Charlie Haden's 'Rambling Boy' lives up to its folksy title. From the spunky start of "Single Girl, Married Girl" to the tender finale of "Oh, Shanendoah," this jazz musician gets downhome with some superb numbers that if anything scotch the reminiscent 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' soundtrack. Drawing more from folk, country, and bluegrass, Haden showcases a lot of family and friends to truly provide a terrific collection. Rubbing elbows with such illustrious likes as Vince Gill, Bruce Hornsby, and Elvis Costello, the breadth and quality of this collection is hard to beat. There's spare passion on numbers like "Spiritual" to the hodown of "Road to Broken Hearts" (with Ricky Skaggs). Playful story spinning comes from "Joe Clark" (with the expression of Jack Black no less). But the family's also adept. The sweetness of Rachel Haden on "The Fields of Athenry" and the marvelous harmonies of The Haden Triplets are inviting and sweetly supportive. One doesn't have to seek The Grand Ole Opry archives or 'A Prairie Home Companion' to get gems like Dan Tyminski's collaboration on "Ocean of Diamonds" or the rustic simplicity of "Down by Salley Gardens" (with Ruth Cameron). Despite the generous nineteen helpings of music, 'Rambling Boy' never offers a sour cup of cider.

'Rambling Boy' is a marvelous compilation of authentic, front-porch Americana. I love country and hear my share of Bluegrass. If you're a fan of groups such as Charlie Haden, as I am, this will show you what their predecessors sounded like. True roots music. The recording is great, as well. Nary a hiss or pop, which is quite remarkable for recordings of this era. The engineers obviously embarked on a labor of love. The songs and the singers are first rate- this is a sing along CD- grab it and bring it with you- warning: it may cause foot tapping and hand clapping.

Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-16-08

The Art of the Rag

The Best of Quartet West

I'm not an expert on this genre of music, but I really did enjoy listening to this CD... perhaps more than I expected. It is easy to realize right away that there is lots of talent on this album... and that it was a joy for them to make. I think that energy carries over and can be perceived by the listener. It's a great album to pop in the car stereo while you're driving on a trip and one that is worth re-listening to... because there is a lot to take in. If you're a fan of bluegrass or folk, you will probably enjoy this CD.

One of jazz' great bassists returns to his childhood country roots and turns in some fine music.

The highlight for me is Haden's own quavery but oh so heartfelt vocals on the ultimate country folk chestnut, Oh Shenadoah. The immortal melody is further beautified by two of the finest guitarists alive, Jerry Douglas and Pat Metheny. Jerry shows that he can hold his own with and even outshine one of the top jazz players of our time.

So many other fine guests and so many sweet moments. It's not all perfect but it's mostly very good and fun to listen to, with excellent production.

Well worth a listen.

And If you like Haden at all, his duet album with Metheny, Beyond The Missouri Skies, is one of the finest things I have ever heard, period.

I did not read any reviews prior to getting this CD. When I played it I was very suprised. Charlie Haden and friends doing a blend of bluegrass/appalachian/old country with a twist of jazz (just a twist mind you).
But I like it. I do like many styles of music and I do like all that I heard in here. It seems that Charlie Haden was a bit difficult to hear most times, but he is definitely in there.
If you enjoyed the music from 'O Brother Where Art Thou' then you'll like this.
I do recommend, but don't expect anything like you would from previous Charlie Haden music.