It was Charlie Haden’s wife Ruth who had the idea to bring two important parts of his musical career together on Rambling Boy. The result is a folk-inspired recording that blends elements of country and jazz.
At the age of two, Charlie Haden first appeared on the Haden Family Radio Show with his mother, father and siblings. They hosted radio shows throughout Iowa and Missouri in the 1930s and 40s, performing songs by the Carter Family and Porter Wagoner, among others.
Haden’s days of singing were cut short due to a childhood bout with polio that damaged his vocal chords. He became interested in jazz in the 1955 after hearing Charlie Parker play a concert in Omaha Nebraska.
Petra, Rachel and Tanya Haden confirm what is said about siblings singing together. Their crisp version of “Single Girl, Married Girl” show off those tight harmonies and get the CD off to a bright start.
Bruce Hornsby Improvises
A great example of the CD’s diversity in sound is the contribution from Bruce Hornsby. “20/20 Vision” opens with a bass solo by Haden that is joined by Hornsy’s bluesy vocals. They are joined by Jerry Douglas on dobro, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Bryan Sutton on guitar and Ricky Skaggs on fretless banjo. The improvised feel makes it one of the most jazz-inspired tunes on Rambling Boy.
Elvis Costello Does Country
The voice will stop listeners in their tracks as they try to figure out the voice behind the Hank Williams’ tune “You Win Again.” The crooning vocals are not usually backed up by a country band. Elvis Costello fits right in, however, and shows off his virtuosity.
Pat Metheny
The CD’s highlight is “The Fields of Athenry,” featuring the soaring vocals of Petra. The song, penned by John St. John, tells the story of a man sent away to prison after stealing food to feed his family. The song really open up with the signature guitar of Pat Metheny beautifully blended with Douglas' dobro playing.
Jack Black Sings
“Old Joe Clark” is done in a traditional way by an unlikely performer, Jack Black. The actor is married to Haden daughter Tanya. He is accompanied by Sam Bush on mandolin.
Back to the Past
The CD concludes with two cuts featuring Charlie from the past and present. The first is an original recording from his family’s radio show featuring “little cowboy Charles” singing “Roll Us Over the Tide.” He finishes up by singing the melancholy “Oh Shenandoah."
References:
Charlie Haden (2008). "Rambling Boy." In Rambling Boy, [CD Booklet]. New York: Decca Label Group, Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
