(LP & CD, Warner Bros, 1971)
This album may be of a genre of music that... well, might possibly have fewer fans among Foundation membership than most other albums I review for The Muse. However I write in the hope that folks will have open minds and a willingness to consider quality, well-done music of genres that may be a bit outside their normal wheelhouse. And the music of John Hartford is some of the finest bluegrass/folk/ country that has been produced. That said... well, I have to confess it is not to everyone’s taste. But bear with me.
I’ll be quite brief in my exposition about Hartford (1937-2001), his life and his music. He
recorded some 39 albums, ranging across a spectrum of styles from traditional folk in his early recordings to country and bluegrass and on to an experimental sound which became known as “newgrass.” Later in his life his music reflected all of these, though he would often return the traditional folk style of his early years. His second album (Earthwords & Music, 1967) included his song “Gentle On My Mind,” which Glen Campbell recorded and it went on to become one of the most widely recorded country songs of all time. Hartford became a semi-regular guest on the Smothers Brothers TV show, appeared on several other shows, and played on a number of other artists’ albums. He won many awards for his music over the course of his lifetime.
I love Hartford’s work and have collected most of his albums. He’ll toss in more serious songs here and there, but much of his music is undeniably quirky and often fun. Deciding which of his albums to review/discuss proved unexpectedly difficult. (A couple of them I would frankly not recommend to anyone, much less review.) His Mark Twang album garnered him a Grammy, but I decided would be probably too... ah, traditional for me to recommend here – though it did include a song that audiophiles should appreciate, entitled “Don’t Leave Your Records in the Sun.” My favorite is Nobody Knows What You Do, which is somewhat more ‘out there’ than most of his work but has a couple songs on it that might possibly offend some folks who may suffer from... shall we say, an under-developed sense of humor.
Aereo-Plain was Hartford’s 8th album, and was considered a commercial failure by the Warner Brothers record label when it was released. However it has gained in popularity in the years since then. It came to be quite influential in the blossoming of “newgrass,” aka “progressive bluegrass” music, and is now considered as something of a classic. Many fans of the genre regard it with reverence. Basically he took instruments and some stylistic elements of traditional bluegrass music and combined and infused them with modern, innovative (and it must be said individualistic) interpretations that brought new possibilities to the genre. He didn’t create ‘newgrass’, but this album was certainly a watershed in its development.
Hartford’s intelligence and genius are in evidence here, along with his quirkiness, his innovation, his songwriting talent, musicianship, etc., etc. Backing Hartford were other luminaries of the genre, including Norman Blake, Vassar Clements, and Randy Scruggs. It was produced by David Bromberg – a noted and eclectic musician himself.
Speaking of eclectic, the songs of this album are certainly that. The album opens and closes with choruses of an old gospel classic, “Turn Your Radio On” (one of only two tunes of the 16 on the album not written or co-written by Hartford.) Other songs lean more into bluegrass style, as do the numbers “Up On The Hill Where They Do the Boogie” and “Steam Powered Aereo Plane” – undeniably wonderful bluegrass tunes and equally undeniably well done. Instrumental tunes are tossed in among vocal numbers which evince what must be deemed some “mighty fine pickin’.”
In “Back in the Goodle Days” John reminiscences about days gone by. “Tear Down the Grand Ole Opry” is a great song, in which he shares his love of traditional country music and that iconic venue.
And there is more good stuff here. Per my perception and taste, there are only a couple of numbers on this record that are throw-aways – which is to say, ones that I would throw away. A groaner of a thing called “Boogie” is appropriately named but is mercifully brief.
The production and resulting sonics on my LP copies (I have 3) are exemplary, surprisingly good for 1971 Warner Brothers. My copies are only of the original LP, however the Discogs entry for the title lists several re-releases of it, which I suggest attest to its status and popularity. Also attesting to that popularity, those remasters and reissues do not seem to be particularly cheap. However it is – sigh – available streaming for folks who are physical media-disadvantaged.
As I opened by implying, I can’t suggest that this is an album for everyone – I wish I could. However it is a wonderful work (aside from those couple of turkeys), and for those who might be able to stretch their receptiveness beyond their usual borders to encompass the genius that was Hartford, the enjoyment of this album can be a true reward for doing so.
Also Recommended
Nobody Knows What You Do (1976) – A great Hartford album showcasing his song writing and with perhaps somewhat more of a mainstream orientation to its tunes, though it might not be appreciated by folks with easily offended sensibilities.
-Dave Hortland
“Championing worthy albums from the past that should not be forgotten…"