Country Stars Pay Tribute to Albert Brumley
Written: Aug 14 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Song selection, range of musical influences, lyrical excellence, duet choices
Cons: A couple of selections are shaky, but still worth hearing.
The Bottom Line: Few writers have had the lasting impact in the modern era on gospel music as Albert Brumley, Sr. Here is an excellent tribute from Brumley, Jr. and friends.
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| keithpruitt's Full Review: Tribute to Albert E. Brumley |
Few writers in Americana music have influenced a genre of music as much as did Albert Brumley, Sr. The 800 songs from his pen led to his selection as a member of the inaugural class for induction into the Song Writers Hall of Fame in 1970. Those familiar with music will recognize both the name and the songs he penned. I'll Fly Away, If We Never Meet Again, Turn Your Radio On, Jesus Hold My Hand, Rank Strangers to Me, There's A Little Pine Log Cabin, and This World is not My Home are just a few of the hundreds of songs sung weekly by churches around the world.
In 2003 Madacy Entertainment group released Country Gospel: 36 All Time Favorites. Originally (and in some packages) the 2 CD collection is called 36 Greatest Gospel Memories: A Tribute to Albert E. Brumley. Whatever the title, this is one of the greatest collections of Brumley music on the market today.
And very few country artists, following the tradition of inclusion in their stage shows of at least one spiritual song, have graced the stage that have failed to perform one of Brumley's classic numbers. From the great stages of country music including the Ryman, the Opry and venues worldwide Brumley's songs have had a lasting mark on music.
Beginnings
Albert Brumley began life in 1905 in the newly created state of Oklahoma. His musical interests always found their mark in singing spirituals and songs rooted in home and heaven. The sharecropper's life taught Brumley many earthy life lessons. At age sixteen Brumley composed his first song I Can Hear Them Singing over There which was published 6 years later. In 1927, Brumley left home for Arkansas to attend Monroe Bartlett's famed music school.
In 1931 Brumley met Goldie Schnell. They made their home in Powell, Missouri till their deaths. From those early days until his death in 1977, Albert Brumley served his God as a faithful member of the church of Christ in Powell, but continued to honor him with the beautiful songs he penned for many years thereafter. Today, I gladly lead his songs in worship and find myself often drawn to them in my private meditations.
Tribute
For many years his son Albert Brumley, Jr. has been involved in the music business. His acquaintances would be all the legends of the business. In Country Gospel, those artists have come together to perform with Albert Brumley, Jr. his dad's songs. The results are astonishing.
First, Brumley, Jr. can really sing well. His mellow tones are reminiscent of Jim Reeves and the greats of the fifties. Second, the selection of vocal duet partners is a virtual who's who in country music from Merle Haggard to George Jones, Glen Campbell to Jeannie Seely, and the Jordainaires to The Lewis Family. Brumley selected some of music's greatest talent. Third, the selection of songs is tremendous. The problem for Brumley was which songs to select. Primarily he performs songs with which most people will be familiar. There are a couple of lesser known but equally powerful numbers.
The two CD project is sure to please gospel enthusiasts who yearn for the music of yesteryear. This is the real deal! Vocal presentations are what they are. Some are superb others are like the old boys on the front porch on a Sunday afternoon. But that's the beauty of this music. It is sung by the common people. And Brumley knew how to write lyrics with lasting meaning to be sung and remembered for generations.
In my humble opinion only Fanny Crosby excels the body of work left to us by Albert Brumley. His son has done a good thing by giving us this collection that combines so many great stars of country music with the lyrical genius of Brumley's gospel numbers.
The Songs, The Artists, Notes on Writing and not much else
Departing from my normal routine just here, I am not going to make a great deal of comment on the songs on the albums. It is my opinion that these songs speak for themselves. This is the gold mine of gospel music.
I will mention before beginning the listing that the collection comes with a brilliant companion booklet of information along with the liner notes. These include a brief sketch of each artist appearing with Brumley as well as some introductory remarks and the liner notes.
Disc One
Turn Your Radio On- Merle Haggard and Brumley, Jr. You may have heard this song before, but I doubt you have heard it with the tenor sax of this version. Think New Orleans jazz.
I'd Rather be an Old-Time Christian- Glen Campbell and Brumley, Jr.
The Love of the Lord- Lee Greenwood and Brumley, Jr.
The Prettiest Flowers will be Blooming- The Florida Boys and Brumley, Jr. This is southern quartet music at some of its finest. Check out the wonderful tenor lead. Oh that's fine stuff.
If We Never Meet Again- Tommy Overstreet and Brumley, Jr. This song is one of the best known of the Stamps Quartet Music Songbook. Fiddles, steel guitars, and great vocals: ah, that's heaven.
Flowers in the Wildwood- Mel Tillis and Brumley, Jr. Great country song performed here with excellence.
It's Really Surprising- Crystal Gayle and Brumley, Jr.
Led by the Master's Hand- Albert Brumley, Jr.
When I Looked Up and He Looked Down- The Chuck Wagon Gang and Brumley, Jr. This is done in the Chuck Wagon tradition with a guitar and their wonderful voices.
I'll Fly Away- Merle Haggard and Brumley, Jr. Fast paced version with that Dixieland feel is superbly rendered. I'll Fly Away is by far the most popular of Brumley's songs.
It's Twilight Time Again- The Sons of The Pioneers and Brumley, Jr. Continuing the tradition of cowboy music, this song with the continuing group of Hall of Fame renowned performers covers this beautiful classic Brumley song with the western flair.
Did You Ever Go Sailin'- Chet Atkins provides his virtuoso performance with Brumley, Jr. on vocals.
I'm Bound for that City- Larry Gatlin, Lamar Alexander and Brumley, Jr. This song was written by the whole Brumley family. The piano is former Governor and present Senator Alexander.
Camping in Canaan's Land- the late Hank Thompson and Brumley, Jr. As performed here, the song drags a bit. The song was written by Brumley, Sr. with his mentor E. M. Bartlett.
Nobody Answered Me- the late Johnny Russell and Brumley, Jr. This song is sung with the great power of the original recordings.
The Old Village Church on the Hill- Bill Anderson and Brumley, Jr. This country version of this delightful song is complete with great acoustic licks.
The Blood That Stained the Old Rugged Cross- Chester Smith and Brumley, Jr.
That Old Time Preacher Man- LeRoy Van Dyke and Brumley, Jr.
Disc Two
Jesus Hold My Hand- George Jones and Brumley, Jr. From the clear piano introduction to the pure country delivery of the great George Jones, it doesn't get much better than this.
Rank Strangers to Me- the late Porter Wagoner and Brumley, Jr. The mournful delivery of this beautiful song has made it a country/ bluegrass favorite.
I've Found the Hiding Place- The Lewis Family and Brumley, Jr. This popular bluegrass version is one of The Lewis Family standards.
I'll Meet You in the Morning- Larry Gatlin and Brumley, Jr. Beautiful!
He Set Me Free- The Jordanaires and Brumley, Jr. With a tune very similar to I Saw The Light the song has a similar meaning.
Surely I Will Lord- Jeannie Seely and Brumley, Jr. Soulful.
It's An Unfriendly World- Cal Smith and Brumley, Jr.
I Cannon Find the Way Alone- The Mel Tillis Singers and Brumley, Jr. The Branson group of singers joins Brumley on this sad slow number.
Her Mansion is Higher than Mine- Johnny Russell and Brumley, Jr. A song about mothers is a must in any genre of music.
I'm as Poor as a Beggar- T Graham Brown and Brumley, Jr. Mr. Country Blues himself joins Brumley on this Memphis blues number.
You will get Your Reward Someday- Roy Clark and Brumley, Jr.
It's Bound to be the Lord- Tracy Nelson and Brumley, Jr.
Gospel Songs and Old-Time Recipes- Tommy Overstreet and Brumley, Jr. Brumley, Jr. and Dale Vest wrote this very country sounding number recalling the old days of the dinners on the grounds.
There's A Little Pine Log Cabin- Chet Atkins on guitar, the Inspirations and Brumley, Jr. One of Brumley's early country songs.
I Just Steal Away and Pray- Albert Brumley, Jr. In country classic form, a beautiful song of meditation.
I'll Put on a Crown- Jeff and Sheri Easter and Brumley, Jr. What a great song of triumph!
This World is not my Home- Merle Haggard and Brumley, Jr.
If Everyone had a Heart Full of Love- Tommy Overstreet and Brumley, Jr. Good thoughts to end on.
Final Thoughts
Some of the most meaningful songs found in the Christian hymnal were penned by Albert Brumley, Sr. They have stood the test of more than half a century of being used in country and gospel music. This collection produced jointly by Brumley, Jr., Tommy Overstreet, and Gene Breeden is a great tribute to a phenomenal writer and Christian servant.
Recommended:
Yes
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