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.
Interesting RecordingNovember 29, 2008 Eric Deitchman(Charlotte, NC) I have long been a fan of Charlie Haden's jazz recordings. This recording is interesting and worth having, although I continue to prefer his jazz work.
GreatNovember 24, 2008 Craig Cuddigan(Portland OR) I heard Mr. Haden on Terry Grosse being interviewed and I had to have this great CD. It is full of years of talent, and a good variety of styles. I play it more than any CD I have right now. Highly recommend this album.
Fabulously FolksyNovember 19, 2008 Rocky Raccoon(Boise, ID) Charlie Haden's 'Rambling Boy' lives up to its folksy title. From the spunky start of "Single Girl, Married Girl" to the tender finale of "Oh, Shanendoah," this jazz musician gets downhome with some superb numbers that if anything scotch the reminiscent 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' soundtrack. Drawing more from folk, country, and bluegrass, Haden showcases a lot of family and friends to truly provide a terrific collection. Rubbing elbows with such illustrious likes as Vince Gill, Bruce Hornsby, and Elvis Costello, the breadth and quality of this collection is hard to beat. There's spare passion on numbers like "Spiritual" to the hodown of "Road to Broken Hearts" (with Ricky Skaggs). Playful story spinning comes from "Joe Clark" (with the expression of Jack Black no less). But the family's also adept. The sweetness of Rachel Haden on "The Fields of Athenry" and the marvelous harmonies of The Haden Triplets are inviting and sweetly supportive. One doesn't have to seek The Grand Ole Opry archives or 'A Prairie Home Companion' to get gems like Dan Tyminski's collaboration on "Ocean of Diamonds" or the rustic simplicity of "Down by Salley Gardens" (with Ruth Cameron). Despite the generous nineteen helpings of music, 'Rambling Boy' never offers a sour cup of cider.
Foot Tappin', Hand Clappin' First Rate MusicNovember 17, 2008 prisrob(New EnglandUSA) '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 D. Truong(New Mexico) 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.
