Local Flowers

Amazon.com
Remember the old joke "I like all of Tom T. Hall's songs and both of his melodies"? The 12 engaging songs on Local Flowers were written by Hall and his wife Dixie, and are in the very capable hands of young bluegrass singer Nancy Moore. The truth is that Hall's simple tunes and homespun lyrics have always thrived in a bluegrass setting, and Moore gives them all an understated yet highly convincing voice. She's ably assisted by quality pickers such as banjo man Scott Vestal, mandolin player Ronnie McCoury, resonator guitarist Rob Ickes, and fiddler Robert Bowlin. The folksy stories and the presence of harmonica great Charlie McCoy lend the proceedings a distinct Tom T. flavor--Dixie produced, Tom T. arranged, and the album was cut at Hall's personal studio--but it's Moore's lovely and honest readings that give these appealing stories life. --Marc Greilsamer

Tracks:

High Lonesome Love
Your Memory Followed Me Home
Local Flowers
Taylor County Jail
The Farm
A Picture Of Jesus
Wings Against The Moon
Joe
Mama Remember
Down Home Blues
More To Love Than This
Smoky Mountain Man

Amazon.com

Remember the old joke "I like all of Tom T. Hall's songs and both of his melodies"? The 12 engaging songs on Local Flowers were written by Hall and his wife Dixie, and are in the very capable hands of young bluegrass singer Nancy Moore. The truth is that Hall's simple tunes and homespun lyrics have always thrived in a bluegrass setting, and Moore gives them all an understated yet highly convincing voice. She's ably assisted by quality pickers such as banjo man Scott Vestal, mandolin player Ronnie McCoury, resonator guitarist Rob Ickes, and fiddler Robert Bowlin. The folksy stories and the presence of harmonica great Charlie McCoy lend the proceedings a distinct Tom T. flavor--Dixie produced, Tom T. arranged, and the album was cut at Hall's personal studio--but it's Moore's lovely and honest readings that give these appealing stories life. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Great Tom T Hall discovery.......2002-07-28

Nancy Moore has a lovely voice, which at times reminds me of Claire Lynch - no bad thing, as I regard Claire as the Queen of Bluegrass.

This debut album came about after Nancy was discovered by Tom T Hall and his wife, who financed the project and wrote all the songs - so no covers, not even of old songs of Tom's. However, the title track (a death song) has a melody which immediately reminds me of I recall a gypsy woman (a top 20 pop hit for Don Williams in Britain, but never released as a single in America - it appeared on his debut solo album, and was also recorded by Waylon).

The title track is immediately followed by Tupelo County Jail, an amusing story song about a boyfriend who fell foul of the law. This will quickly wipe out any depression.

All the songs are brilliant (what else do you expect from Tom T?), and cover a variety of subjects and moods. Nancy was still a teenager when this was recorded, so she has time on her side, but it's a while since this album came out. I do hope there's another, especially as there are so few ladies of real star quality in bluegrass at the moment, and most of the big names are closer to my age than Nancy's, There's room for some young talent to flourish.

You want to hear more ladies singing great bluegrass? Nancy's debut may not quite match the best of Claire, Rhonda and Alison, but she's not far behind. Give Nancy the chance to record more great bluegrass by buying this - with more maturity, she might become the best of the lot.

A lovely record.......2001-11-19

This is a real treat for anyone who likes Tom T. Hall, early Dolly Parton or just beautiful, bluegrass-flavoured country music with great storytelling. All the songs are new to me except the wonderful title track, which was also recorded on Tom T's latest album, "Home Grown". The music is spirited but quite soft.

Music Album:

Music Album