CRAVER, HICKS, WATSON & NEWBERRY, YOU’VE BEEN A FRIEND TO ME

CRAVER, HICKS, WATSON & NEWBERRY
YOU’VE BEEN A FRIEND TO ME

Barker Records, No Number

   Three of these folks were members of the Red Clay Ramblers, and Joe Newberry (whose song “Singing As We Rise” just won an IBMA award) is a fun guy, too. You can hear that distilled fun on this new CD. There are three original songs: from Joe, “Missouri Borderland”; Bill Hicks’ “Uncle Charlie’s Revenge”; and Mike Craver’s “How Does A Glass Eye Work?” All four sing lead and harmony vocals. Craver plays guitar and piano, Hicks fiddle, Watson mandolin, guitar, and bass, and Newberry guitar and banjo. They start with Tommy Jarrell’s version of the Surry County anthem, “Sally Ann,” sung in three-part harmony. Then the Georgia Yellowhammers’ “Kiss Me Quick.” The Yellowhammers are also the source for “The Man From Tennessee.” Speaking of sources, there are three from the Carter Family and one each from Riley Puckett, Taylor Kimble, Henry Reed, Darby and Tarleton, Craig Johnson, Jack Maclintock, and Bill Northcutt. There are thirteen songs and three tunes: “Ship In The Clouds,” “Red Fox,” and “Texas Gals.”

These four gentlemen are veterans of more bands than I could possibly list, including several in which they are currently performing. They bring that experience to each of these songs and tunes. There is great singing, great fiddling, great banjo playing, and great everything else. Have you figured out yet that I give my highest recommendation to this recording? If you like old-time music, if you like music period, find this recording and play it over and over again, and you will see what I mean. (Jim Watson, 132 Justice St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516,www.craverhickswatsonnewberry.com.)SAG