Why feature country music on a jazz site?
Well, back in the 50s and 60s, country was simply the gapped-tooth cousin of jazz. Like jazz, it’s best always had a story to tell and the music swung. This four disc, 116 song collection includes the biggest hits of Ike’s last year, and it’s as hot as the farmer’s daughter.
Instead of listing all of the songs, the big takeaway is to appreciate how distinct each artist is, unlike the cookie cutters of today. No one delivers a slow romantic baritone like Jim Reeves as on “He’ll Have To Go” and “I Missed Me” while Western Swing is the thing with Webb Pierce on “No Love Have I” and “Doin’ The Lovers Leap”. Kitty Wells is a hoot as she belts out “Left To Right” and “Amigo’s Guitar” whereas if you’re a bluegrass fan,you’ll pick and grin with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs on “Crying My Heart Over You”.
Johnny Cash stares you down on “Straight A’s In Love” and “Seasons Of My Heart” and Mel Tillis stutters through “Georgia Town Blues” with Bill Phillips. Bakersfield rocks with Buck Owens on “Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got A Heartache)”and Johnny Horton gets you patriotic on “Sink The Bismarck”. If any jazzer wants to find a new Great American Songbook, come on over hear, partner!