Search - Tommy Webb :: Eastern Kentucky

... and 1/2 .... Good emotionally-charged material presented

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 06/22/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 39:32 -- Tommy Webb follows up his 2005 "Now That You Are Gone" album with a promising 2007 project honoring his bluegrass home, music, and other artists in the genre. Opening with a Cordle and Shell song that fellow Kentuckian Ricky Skaggs has also recorded, Tommy tells us that the only time them old sad songs on the jukebox give him the blues is when he's "Lonesome for You." The importance and significance of bluegrass in Tommy's life are reinforced in the title cut on "Eastern Kentucky" that refers to the priceless, timeless, and comforting songs of his state. The lyrics mention bluegrass artists Skaggs, Keith Whitley, and Ralph Stanley.



Covering some classic bluegrass standards like "No Mother or Dad," "Arab Bounce," and "Julie Ann" illustrates just how deeply-seated the music is in the heart of a man who first started jamming and singing as a teen. Over the years, Webb's bands have included the Pine Top Ramblers, South Creek, Onlyne, Clyde Bowling and the Southern Bluegrass Boys, and now his own Tommy Webb Band (since 2005). In addition to two originals on the CD, "If It Weren't for Bluegrass Music I'd Go Crazy," is a creative makeover of a country song that provides a pretty tasty recipe for maintaining one's sanity. Clinton Gregory recorded "If It Weren't for Country Music I'd Go Crazy" in the 1990s, and Tommy Webb's bluegrass lyrics now give a different perspective. We learn that the guitarist and singer has an affinity for the music of "Bill, Larry, Mountain Heart," and would vote for "Ralph Stanley for President" if given the chance. That cut is receiving decent airplay from its being on Volume 86 of the Prime Cuts of Bluegrass sampler.



Produced and recorded by the inimitable Ron Stewart, "Eastern Kentucky" also enlists that stellar multi-instrumentalist's support on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and resonator guitar. Others include Chris Goble (banjo), Tadd Huff (bass), Kenny O'Quinn (mandolin), and Harold Nixon (bass). They all do a solid job, but it's also apparent when Stewart's sturdy and self-assured breaks or twin fiddles invigorate the music with added energy and emotion. Webb sings with an expressive, forlorn delivery. Some of his most fulfilling, lonesomest moments come when he's singing in his higher range on a song like Goble and Drumm's "Julie Ann" and his own "It's All Behind Me Now." A spiritual song of praise, Dottie Rambo's "He Looked Beyond My Faults" could have been infused with more power and feeling in a higher key, but Webb still imparts listeners with a strong statement about his faith and inspiration. He wrote a second verse for the song to seek the Lord's favor and ask for His blessing. "South of Cincinnati" is a longing for home in the hills of Harlan County. Another countryish song with similar tempo and melody, "Someday You'll Call My Name" was co-written decades ago by Smilin' Eddie Hill and Jean Branch. Besides being recorded by Hank Williams, the song was a top ten hit for Jimmy Wakely back in 1949. The set closes with a rousing cover of Ralph Stanley's "Rocky Island" featuring Webb's high-octane clawhammer banjo. This album is my first introduction to Tommy Webb. I get the impression that his quartet can put on a very entertaining show. They have good emotionally-charged material, and it's presented with distinguished vocalizing and consummate musicianship. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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