Various Artists – In Memory Of A Friend: A Tribute To The Music Of Randall Hylton
Thanks to its strong emphasis on standards and a paucity of financial rewards, bluegrass has produced few personalities known more for their songwriting than their performing. Though he was a fine entertainer who scratched out a place for himself as a solo artist in a band-driven musical world, Randall Hylton, who died on March 14, 2001, was one of the exceptions. To memorialize him, and to raise money for his son’s education, Pinecastle Records has compiled this anthology of various artists performing some of his best songs, and they make a powerful case for his genius.
The album kicks off with Wildfire’s energetic version of “Rough Edges”, and its four chords, simple yet memorable tune, down-to-earth theme, and deft match of lyric rhythms to melodic contour winningly exemplify what made Hylton’s writing so prized. From the sentimental dying-child drama of “Slippers With Wings” to the regretful yet pointed farewell ballad “I’ve Heard The Wind Blow Before”, his songs mated true-to-life themes with the genre’s hallmark mixture of simplicity and skill.
Given its genesis as a collection of cuts from Pinecastle releases — there are a handful of late-arriving exceptions, including Hylton’s own version of “Room At The Top Of The Stairs”, long associated with Ralph Stanley it’s not surprising that some of the most famous pairings of performer and song, such as the Bluegrass Cardinals’ “Thirty-Two Acres”, are absent. Still, there are plenty of high points, including two selections by Cardinals alum David Parmley and his band.
Most importantly, both the writer’s gifts and the esteem in which he was held come through clearly. It may not be the ultimate Randall Hylton tribute, but In Memory Of A Friend is a classy project from start to finish, and a fine introduction to one of bluegrass’ greatest, and rarest, talents.