Search - Tennessee Ernie Ford :: Howdy Pea Pickers

Pre-"Sixteen Tons" Ernie!

allemande | Columbia, MO USA | 07/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD represents some of Ernie Ford's earlier recordings, covering the years 1949-1954. Ford was decidedly a country singer during this period, as most of these tracks will attest. But the disc closes with two notable exceptions: "River of No Return" and "Give Me Your Word", indicating that Ernie Ford was not to be stereotyped or underestimated.

Ernest Jennings Ford was a conservatory-trained singer, and his vocal flexibility is evident throughout this disc. These recordings, originally made for Capitol in the USA, also benefitted from sharp production, and the participation of some of the finest session musicians of the time. For those reasons alone, this CD would be worth hearing.

But add to that some really fine songs that reward repeated hearings. "Tennessee Local" is a charmer; the aforementioned "River of No Return" (title song from a motion picture) is hauntingly emotional; and several of Ford's early hit recordings are here, including "Anticipation Blues", "I Ain't Gonna Let It Happen No More", and "Shot-Gun Boogie".

There are 29 tracks on this disc, totalling over 75 minutes. The sound quality, originating with Capitol's meticulous engineering, and skillfully transferred to CD by ASV, is quite good. ASV, an English label, has been busy for several years releasing nicely-restored vintage American popular and jazz recordings in collections like this one. Shame on us in the states for making others preserve our entertainment legacy!

"Howdy, Pea Pickers" is a fine compact disc at a sensible price, and presents a good overview of Ernie Ford's music during the five-year period before "Sixteen Tons" became a breakthrough crossover hit and made him nationally known. After years of neglect, some of Ford's music is finally beginning to resurface (albeit mostly on import labels). But even with competition, this CD is a good value for the abundance of music it offers and its good sound. If you are a fan of Tennessee Ernie and his music, buy this collection with confidence."