Uncle Walt’s Band – Thought You’d Never Ask – The Complete 1975 Armadillo Records Recordings
This band was where the late singer-songwriter Walter Hyatt started his career. Sometimes the place where many artists begin is not something they want to remind anyone about. However, music from South Carolina’s Uncle Walt’s Band was always smart, well-played & better than most that climbed the charts.
The music is a mix of folky ballads & country tunes without the Nashville polish. They did work in Nashville, but their recipe wasn’t exactly of that time. Some bands had their stylistically cool approach – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Poco, West, Seatrain, The Wackers, The Fifth Avenue Band & several others.
Their success seemed to develop better in Austin, TX & the trio of Walter Hyatt (guitar/vocals), David Ball (bass/upright bass/vocals) & DesChamps Hood (guitar/mandolin/piano/vocals) with Kathy Hyatt (percussion). All three members could sing & that added to their diverse presentation.
There are 22 cuts spread out on Thought You’d Never Ask – The Complete 1975 Armadillo Records Recordings (Drops Nov 1/Omnivore/Lespedeza Records/60:31). Originally produced by Woody Roberts in North Carolina (Jan 16, 1975). The reissue was produced by Mark Michel & Cheryl Pawelski with cuts 1-12 & 16-22 previously unissued. So, for fans – this is a new Uncle Walt’s Band album.
The trio always had a way of sounding contemporary & traditional. There were few embellishments & lots of imaginative performances. One moment they’re as corny genius as John Hartford then serious as Gram Parsons. Quite an eclectic mix. They were never as eccentric & unfiltered as the Grateful Dead, but they had their moments when they flew close to The New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Flying Burrito Brothers & Old & In the Way. But there was always something uniquely reinforcing about the Uncle Walt’s Band.
Their influence was impressive & they had many name fans. Their repertoire was an integral part of their attraction because they sang new material, old & some classics. They all sang so their song selection had a strong pulse & together their harmonies were sweet (“Rock Island Line”).
It was a country folk unit that didn’t wear hats, give beer to horses, or sing about beer & bosoms. They stayed away from novelty as best as they could & relied on penetrating melodies, meaningful lyrics & no hokum. Some country topics get tired after a while & Uncle Walt’s Band always tried to keep quality in their showcase.
“Lonely In Love” is shaped in a tight beautiful ballad the way Seatrain once showcased their music. This set has many songs never issued but they all have delicate nuances of feeling. These boys knew how to play & sing.
Highlights – “Getaway,” “So Long Baby,” “Rollin’ My Blues,” “Rock Island Line,” “After You’ve Gone” & “Lonely In Love.”
B&W image courtesy of Omnivore Recordings. CD @ Amazon + https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/thought-youd-never-ask/
David Ball interview: Interview: David Ball on Uncle Walt’s Band Rerelease with Bonus Live and Demo Tracks
