Customer Reviews

Part of Your History - The Songs of John Hartford

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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.

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.

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.

we have really enjoyed this cd. i heard jamie being interviewed and heard parts of several songs but was surprised and delighted by how wonderful all the songs on this cd are.

This is a wonderfull tribute to your father, You know a son is so much the reflection of the father, So if you loved John Hartford, you will Love this album. Good going Jamie hope to here more of you in years to come.