Bluegrass Sings Paxton

As a leading figure to rise out of the ‘60s folk revival, Tom Paxton’s songs have been recorded by everyone from Johnny Cash and Doc Watson to Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Peter, Paul & Mary. His “The Last Thing On My Mind” and “I Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound” have, of course, become a bluegrass standards.

This heartfelt tribute, produced by Cathy Fink and Jon Weisberger, shows just how well other selections from Paxton’s extensive catalog lend themselves to a variety of bluegrass styles and sensibilities. It’s also a reminder of what an accomplished writer Paxton was and is.

Tim O’Brien serves up a swingy, catchy gospel ode called “You Took Me In,” which he cowrote with Paxton. Paxton himself joins Della Mae on a soulful version of “I Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound.”

Claire Lynch steps up with a tender rendition of “I Give You the Morning” and Alice Gerard gives a melancholy reading to the intriguing “The Things I Notice Now.” Laurie Lewis similarly shines on the enigmatic “Central Square.”

The list of worthy contributors to this project is too long to catalog here in its entirety, but rest assured “The Last Thing On My Mind” is included. That falls to Sister Sadie, who delivers it with somber heart and soul. Danny Paisley cues up a rollicking take on “Ramblin’ Boy,” a song, which the accompanying press material points out, was first covered by the bluegrass band, Kentucky Mountain Boys more than a half-century ago.

In overview, it’s deeply satisfying to hear Paxton’s evocative songs revisited and given fresh perspectives by such a talented and varied cast of artists.