I have been on a bit of a “Roots Music” kick as of late. Reading Amanda Petrusich’s book, It Still Moves, watching the PBS doc series American Roots Music and re-listening to the Harry Smith Anthology have been recent, rootsy activities of mine that have defined this kick I am on. Perhaps the most delightful and enlightening aspect of this phase for me has been the time I have spent listening to the collection of gems from the stunning voice of Nimrod Workman.
Drag City is unveiling a collection of unreleased recordings (Nov. 18th) from Workman that include original stories, and old-time traditional folk songs that play out in the style of the most real and authentic (and cool) history lesson one could ever receive. Workman’s voice is in amazing form as it rings with Appalachian fervor similar to Dr. Ralph Stanley’s greatest performances, if only a tad more grizzled and raw. No musical accompaniment is present on these cuts, nor is it required as Workman’s vocal would surely outshine any instrument of string or rhythm that would be used.
Given that these recordings were made in 1982 when Workman was in his late 80′s (Workman died in 1994 at the age of 99), this work serves as a link from the near-mythical Appalachian musical pioneers such as the Carter Family to the High-Lonesome greats that continue to perform today such as Ralph Stanley and Doc Watson. As lively and playful as Workman’s versions of “Shady Grove” and “Casey Jones” are, and even as haunting as his working of “Oh Death” shows itself to be, the true treasures are the tracks such as “Talk on Uncle Peter McNeely” and “Talk on Dock Boggs/Wild Bill Jones”. Workman’s conversational style brings to mind the energy of a wise and humor-filled Grandfather telling stories he has surely told a million times, but acts as though it’s the first time he has uttered such thoughts. It is great to read about The Bristol Sessions, the birth of Bluegrass and the rise of the Blues from the Delta. However, nothing can teach, illustrate and demonstrate history the way that hearing and feeling the words and music from the artists that actually lived those times does.
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