Customer Reviews

Southern Soul

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The final album of Jimmy Arnold's short career--it was only his third album--was released in 1983, nine years before his untimely death at the age of 40. The fourteen songs contained herein are a mixture of traditional tunes and originals (Robbie Robertson's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" is the lone cover), and taken as a whole they evoke the period of the Civil war. As John Hartford said in the original liner notes: "This almost psychic album by Jimmy Arnold comes clear more through research of the soul rather than research in a library...."

Indeed, from the opeing ballad "Jesse James" through the toe-tapping closer "Sally Ann," Arnold takes the listener back in time through a series of songs that are sometimes raucus, and at other times somber. Arnold plays a lot of the instruments himself, including rhythm and lead guitars, banjo, fiddle and harmonica. Among the guest musicians are Mike Auldridge on Dobro.

It's a shame Arnold gave up recording after this album, but it's a testament to the power of this album that it's still in print nearly a quarter of a century after its debut. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I first heard Southern Soul in 1983 when I borrowed a copy from Wally Cleavers recording studio in Fredericksburg, VA. My partner Hank and I had been recording at the studio and had the good fortune to meet Jimmy Arnold. Jimmy also sat in on our sessions. I didn't know he had recorded Southern Soul until after we were done at the studio and Jimmy had left. When I heard Southern Soul It touched a part of me I didn't know was in touchable. Jimmy's gone, but his music still has his soul in it with his natural southern style and heartfelt vocals. "Thanks Jimmy"

A blend of bluegrass, hillbilly, and southern country music, this is a thoroughly enjoyable work for those who like southern country music and ponder the War of Northern Aggression. You'll love it or you won't like it at all.

I've looked for this song (Rebel Solier) for 20 years and finally found it. It sounds as great now as it did then. The rest of the songs on this CD are really nice, I whish I had known of, and listened to, Jimmy Arnold earlier.

Had this album in 33 1/3 vinyl- was delighted to find it on CD. If you are into bluegrass, and songs about the South- this is it. Seller gave great service.

My wife introduced me to Jimmy`s music about 4 years ago. I must say it is some of the best boot scootin toe tappin music I have ever heard. He makes you feel as though he was in the Civil War and knew the folks he sings about. The only thing bad about Jimmy Arnold`s music is there wasn`t more of it recorded before it was too late.