The Country Gentlemen - Joe's Last Train
In this week's episode, we're featuring a sensational album from bluegrass progressives The Country Gentlemen: "Joe's Last Train" (1976). The Gents boasted an excellent line up in '76, including of course founding member, guitarist and lead vocalist Charlie Waller, Doyle Lawson on mandolin and vocals and with Bill Holden on banjo this collection of songs reflects that talent. Labelled bluegrass progressives for their masterful combination of folk, country, gospel and bluegrass traditions - The Gents appealed to and influenced a broad range of listeners and their music marked a beautiful, respectful but nuanced shift in the music of Bill Monroe to a more expansive interpretation of the same tradition. Waller's vocal similarity to Hank Snow was one he played on and with his enthralling picking technique, this album hasn't many dull moments. From a banjo-driven cover of Willie Nelson's "Bloody Mary Morning"; to the title track and it's dealings with the timeless country and bluegrass themes of trains, hobos and ageing - The Gents have an absolute winner on their hands with "Joe's Last Train", and the four bandmembers dressed as railroad bums on the original album cover is only the beginning of the appeal.