Jimmie Dale & The Flatlanders – All American Music
Even though the LP says Jimmie Dale & The Flatlanders the lead singer is the well-known distinctive vocalist Jimmie Dale Gilmore. This showcase is part of Texas musical Americana history. With this initial set, the musical genre gave us Gilmore, along with Butch Hancock & Joe Ely. The songs were recorded in 1972 & shelved. The sound is pristine for a reissue & All American Music (Drops Nov 15/Omnivore Recordings/Sun Label Group/49:02) has 18 original melodic & formidable tunes from the Singleton Sound Studios sessions in Nashville, TN.
There’s the gorgeous “Dallas,” (the original & an alternative take) & “The Heart You Left Behind” both designed to not sound so country as to appeal to a Hee-Haw crowd. Oh, no. They’re designed instead with the emerging alt-country mature approach to a time-honored musical recipe. One that was beginning to develop as early as the ’60s with Gram Parsons, the Flying Burrito Brothers & The Byrds.
“She Had Everything” ignites with consistent picking. The lyrics aren’t sugary sweet or silly. “Tonight, I Think I’m Gonna Go Downtown,” is Texas-dipped. I can’t help hearing a Randy Newman tug on a bruised heart. Gilmore (acoustic, lead & rhythm guitars/vocals), Hancock (acoustic guitar/harmonica/banjo/harmony) & Ely (duet vocals/harmony/harmonica/acoustic guitar/dobro) were purveyors of songs carved from plaintive storytelling & narrating with fluid playing.
The entirety of the set was produced by Royce Clark. The compilation was produced handsomely by Cheryl Pawelski. The pristine instrumentation & fresh vocals are distinguished for Country. But that’s what The Flatlanders did. They gave country music a sophistication that didn’t interfere with its down-home sincerity. Even in a tune that may have yodeling.
Though Gilmore’s voice can sound quirky to an unfamiliar ear I find him engaging as he sings concurrent songs & adds invaluable harmonies. His voice exudes the luster that has become The Flatlanders’ signature sound. Sometimes it’s a good thing that your voice doesn’t sound like so many others.
Country music wears many hats. Someone who enjoys Tex Ritter & George Jones isn’t going to gravitate easily to Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Guy Clark, or Joe Ely. But the tradition is there – George Jones would sing about a broken heart & making love to a bottle of whiskey. The Flatlanders would sing about a broken heart & stay up all night in a rainy barn with a sick mare.
What’s also dominant is how they play & sing together. They have a unifying comradery — their songs reflect their striking yet notable character.
Highlights – “Dallas,” “The Heart You Left Behind,” “She Had Everything,” “Tonight, I Think I’m Gonna Go Downtown,” “Keeper of the Mountain,” “Stars In My Life,” “Not Long Ago” & “One Road More.”
Musicians – Sylvester Rice (double bass), Steve Wesson (autoharp/saw), Tommy Hancock (fiddle) & Tony Pearson (mandolin/vocal harmonies).
Trio image courtesy of Paul Mobley. A 12pp stitched Colin Escott liner note insert is included. CD @ Amazon + https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/all-american-music/ & https://www.theflatlanders.com/about
Check out our previous coverage here: Interview: Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s “TexiCali” Thrives On Possibility
