Randogs Daily Pick 4/21/2014 Del McCoury-I Wonder Where You Are Tonight-Arhoolie CD5006 First issued on LP in 1968, then again on CD in 1992, this album, which has the distinction of being Dels first album as leader, was recorded on one of Chris Strachwitzs legendary road recording trips. Chris had first met Del in 1963 when, as a member of Bill Monroes Bluegrass Boys, Del had appeared at a couple of concerts in northern California presented by Chris and his friend Bob PinsonAt the time Del was singing lead and playing guitar with Big Mon. At a show at The Freight and Salvage in the 90s,(with Chris in attendance),I heard Del recount Chris approaching him about doing this album back in 1967. Del said, Well, I think Im ready; Ive got some ideas about material. When would you want to do it? He was quite taken back when Chris said Tomorrow, this is the album, abetted by Chris friend and Dels Pennsylvania neighbor Tracy Schwarz ,that eventuated .It had the distinction of being the best selling Arhoolie album for at least one year during Del and his sons ascendancy to bluegrass stardom in the 90s, or so Chris told me at the time.It is a fascinating record of Dels sound during an early stage of his development as a leader, as well as a hugely enjoyable album. Del is joined by Bill Emerson on banjo, Billy Baker(who had been a bandmate of Dels with Monroe) on fiddle, Wayne Yates on mandolin, and two bass players, one on each day of the sessions, Tommy Neal and Dewey Renfro. Two songs here, Im Coming Back But I Dont Know When and Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong, werent on the original LP. Otherwise, the songs and tune present a delightful cross section of old standards, Monroe fare, and Dels take on classic country songs of the 50s and 60s such as Hey Hey Bartender, and Whose Shoulder Will You Cry On? Other notable inclusions:Willie Roy, Prisoners Song,I Wonder Where You Are Tonight,Youre A Flower In The Wildwood.Used To Be, Dels composition Dreams, ao, 14 in all. Tracys Schwarz original notes proclaim that-as of 1968-Bluegrass seems to flourish mainly in the migrant communities and surrounding areas of Detroit, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati,Washington, and Baltimore.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:16:33 +0000
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