Album Description Listeners familiar with the Charlie Haden's celebrated career may not know of the legendary jazz bassist's early years in country music performing with his family. Charlie Haden Family & Friends: Rambling Boy brings the artist's personal history full circle and presents a new generation of the Haden Family - a legendary Midwest music institution in the 1930s and 1940s, now reborn in the 21st century. Rambling Boy includes songs made famous by the Stanley Brothers, the Carter Family, and Hank Williams alongside fabled traditional tunes and some striking original compositions. The performing cast includes Haden, his wife and co-producer Ruth Cameron, all four of his children (the triplets Petra, Rachel and Tanya Haden, their brother Josh Haden), and his son-in-law Jack Black-- each of whom has his or her own career in music. In addition, Rambling Boy features guest appearances by some of the most illustrious names in contemporary Americana and popular music: Roseanne Cash, Elvis Costello, Vince Gill, Bruce Hornsby, Ricky Skaggs & the Whites, and Dan Tyminski and also includes such illustrious musicians as Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Bryan Sutton and more.
Featured Guest Artists:
Ruth Cameron
Josh Haden
Tanya Haden
Rachel Haden
Petra Haden
Bruce Hornsby
Roseanne Cash
Ricky Skaggs & the Whites
Vince Gill
Album Description The acclaimed jazz bassist changed the shape of jazz playing with the original Ornette Coleman Quartet in the late 1950s and went on to record some of the most seminal albums in music with artists like John Coltrane, Keith Jarrett and Pat Metheny. With his 2008 record, Haden fulfills his dream to play the Haden Family songs with his wife and children and such close friends as Bruce Hornsby, Rosanne Cash and Elvis Costello. The album's nineteen songs explore the worlds of country and jazz, and range from traditional to contemporary Americana.
Foot Tappin', Hand Clappin' First Rate MusicNovember 17, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
'Rambling Boy' is a marvelous compilation of authentic, front-porch Americana. I love country and hear my share of Bluegrass. If you're a fan of groups such as Charlie Haden, as I am, this will show you what their predecessors sounded like. True roots music. The recording is great, as well. Nary a hiss or pop, which is quite remarkable for recordings of this era. The engineers obviously embarked on a labor of love. The songs and the singers are first rate- this is a sing along CD- grab it and bring it with you- warning: it may cause foot tapping and hand clapping.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-16-08
The Art of the Rag
The Best of Quartet West
Lots of talent and fun to listen toNovember 13, 2008 I'm not an expert on this genre of music, but I really did enjoy listening to this CD... perhaps more than I expected. It is easy to realize right away that there is lots of talent on this album... and that it was a joy for them to make. I think that energy carries over and can be perceived by the listener. It's a great album to pop in the car stereo while you're driving on a trip and one that is worth re-listening to... because there is a lot to take in. If you're a fan of bluegrass or folk, you will probably enjoy this CD.
Many fine momentsNovember 12, 2008 One of jazz' great bassists returns to his childhood country roots and turns in some fine music.
The highlight for me is Haden's own quavery but oh so heartfelt vocals on the ultimate country folk chestnut, Oh Shenadoah. The immortal melody is further beautified by two of the finest guitarists alive, Jerry Douglas and Pat Metheny. Jerry shows that he can hold his own with and even outshine one of the top jazz players of our time.
So many other fine guests and so many sweet moments. It's not all perfect but it's mostly very good and fun to listen to, with excellent production.
Well worth a listen.
And If you like Haden at all, his duet album with Metheny, Beyond The Missouri Skies, is one of the finest things I have ever heard, period.
Very different for Haden... but still goodNovember 1, 2008 I did not read any reviews prior to getting this CD. When I played it I was very suprised. Charlie Haden and friends doing a blend of bluegrass/appalachian/old country with a twist of jazz (just a twist mind you). But I like it. I do like many styles of music and I do like all that I heard in here. It seems that Charlie Haden was a bit difficult to hear most times, but he is definitely in there. If you enjoyed the music from 'O Brother Where Art Thou' then you'll like this. I do recommend, but don't expect anything like you would from previous Charlie Haden music.
New Charlie Haden Fan!October 30, 2008 Excellent musicians playing ordinary songs really, really REALLY well. I heard a part of one of the tracks on NPR. Charlies 3 daughters melted together their voices so well that I just had to get the CD. I was thinking that it was just them with their Dad Charlie playing in the band. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that some of my other favorite performers were also on the CD. After listening to the CD once I realized that Charlie Haden must be a pretty special guy to have these other musicians ask to record with him. I found the entire CD to good listening, great musicianship and FUN to listen to. I particularly enjoyed the guitar work. It has become one of my favorite CDs. This is the only review I've ever taken the time to write. (I like the CD that much). Please record more CDs like this.
