Part of Your History - The Songs of John Hartford

Jamie Hartford | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 8, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: New Sheriff Creative
• ASIN: B000BTJCH2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #264,780 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

1. Back In The Goodle Days 2. Holdin' 3. Natural To Be Gone 4. Today 5. Presbyterian Guitar 6. First Girl I Ever Loved 7. In Tall Buildings 8. Part Of Your History 9. Don't Put Him Down For it Now 10. Wish We Had Our Time Again 11. Old Time River Man 12. Gentle On My Mind

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PART OF YOUR HISTORY, The Songs of John Hartford, November 29, 2005

By 

JVM (nashville, tn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Part of Your History - The Songs of John Hartford (Audio CD)

PART OF YOUR HISTORY, The Songs of John Hartford is a thoughtful cross-section of the John Hartford catalog. It features classic as well as underground favorites, more in tribute to his songwriting than to his instrumental influence. The covers are punctuated by the title cut, from Jamie's own pen, and tied together with his deft guitar playing and subtle vocal interpretations.

The project offered Jamie the chance to bring together artists such as Nanci Griffith, Vassar Clements, Sam Bush, Kathy Mattea, Pat McLaughlin, David Grisman, Bela Fleck, Tim O'Brien, Ronnie McCoury, Kim Richey, Norman Blake, and Emmylou Harris. Their deeply personal contributions underscore not only the breadth and vitality of the John Hartford legacy, but also the transcendent musical connection of father, family, and flock.

Highly recommended.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dad would be proud, December 29, 2005

By 

Jack Ginnever (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Part of Your History - The Songs of John Hartford (Audio CD)

Imagine if your father were a pioneer and legend in the bluegrass community. On top of that he was one of the most beloved personalities of all times. How would you make a tribute recording of his music? Would you make it your style? Would you mix a bunch of your own music on it to promote your wares? Would you try to imitate his voice?

Jamie did an absolutely wonderful job! He blends his own styles with those of his father's, sometimes resembling the timber and phrasing of his father. But he adds just enough of his own style to give these recordings a unique feel.

On top of that, the choice of music is the best. These are all of my favorite John Hartford songs. Each and every one is masterfully crafted. And I haven't even mentioned the long string of great musicians that appear, many of which played along with John over the years.

I fell in love with this CD from the moment I heard it. I really didn't expect much because it's hard to beat the original John Hartford. But Jamie's Dad would be proud of this one.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Part of Your History", December 27, 2005

By 

P. M. Piatt - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Part of Your History - The Songs of John Hartford (Audio CD)

The impressive guest list would seem to imply that this is yet another all-star tribute or an attempt to imitate some old Hartford standards with Jamie at the helm. This is most certainly not the case. This project is a bittersweet tribute, not only to his late father, but also to the lost art of making music.

Jamie is an incredibly talented musician, his acoustic guitar work on this project will delight fans who know him only as a gifted roots rock Telecaster player. The title track "Part of Your History" was written by Jamie and fits snugly among the songs penned by his father. Alone it is a great song, within the framework of this project it becomes something more.

Every song on this CD is a treasure, with Jamie being joined by generations of the musicians who influenced and have been influenced by John Hartford. Hard core fans of the father will be delighted to hear Norman Blake, David Grisman and Vassar Clements; while new grassers will enjoy next generation pickers Sam Bush, Tim O'Brien, Ronnie McCoury, and Bela Fleck. Still, it is not the all-star band or their outstanding individual performances that will make you want to listen over and over again. It is the unique way the music honors the songs, the honesty in the voice of the son and the sense of presence of his father that will draw you from one song to the next.

Remember when you used to listen to an entire CD? All of it? Not just a song or two, but you actually listened to the whole CD? There are those of us who recall those times with fondness and a certain longing while we hit the skip button in search of a song we like. Jamie Hartford's "Part of Your History: The Songs of John Hartford" has given my "skip" button a long overdue rest.