Hometown: Johnson City, TN
Label: Red Clay Records and Compass Records
Website: www.johnhartfordstringband.com
Genre: Other
The John Hartford String Band (Bob Carlin on banjo, Matt Combs on fiddle, Mike Compton on mandolin, Mark Schatz on bass, and guitarist Chris Sharp), return to the studio for Memories of John.
Memories of John includes 14 tracks of tunes and songs. Some are well known to John Hartford fans; others are complete renderings of sketches that John Hartford left behind.
Guest artist include Alison Brown, George Buckner, Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien, Alan O’Bryant, Eileen Carson Schatz. And from deep in the Hartford archives audio of the man himself, John Hartford.
“The John Hartford Stringband - Memories Of John___"The record has the intimate feel of his live performances and the improvisational style of instrumental albums like Wild Hog in the Red Brush. You can feel the level of friendship and respect that the players had for Hartford, which gives the recordings an intimate feel.___Although a tribute album, the recordings stand on their own and are a valuable addition to the genre and a good listen."”
Kirk McAlpin - American Songwriter
"The John Hartford Stringband - Memories Of John: 4 out of 5 stars"___"Of his extensive list of recordings, this, though a tribute album made by his close musical associates, can be considered his final album, as his presence permeates it both figuratively and literally."___"The results of a quick recording session, the Stringband tracks are perfect realizations of the Hartford sound, and guest vocals from Tim O’Brien (“M.I.S.I.P.” and “Lorena”) and Alan O’Bryant (“Delta Queen Waltz”) are moving without being mawkish. Bela Fleck, George Buckner and Alison Brown also guest on individual tracks with their interpretations of Hartford’s banjo style."___"Memories of John, depending on your exposure to his music, can serve as either an introduction to Hartford’s tremendous body of work or a capstone for his career. Either way, it’s great listening."
Keith Harris - Lonesome Road Review