12/03/2020
I just received this wonderful review of my latest CD "New old time tunes and songs" from Foaotmad magazine in the UK that I wanted to share.
OLD TIME NEWS No. 103 Autumn 2020 29
New Old Time Songs & Tunes (Tweed Tone Music)
John Grimm: fiddle, guitar, banjo, vocals
Old Jake / Blue Porch / Wild Bill / Not Now But Always / Where’s My Money? / Granddaddy was a Moonshiner / Vicki’s Waltz / Little Red Hen / Moo Cow Rag / Kitten in the Milk Pail / Butterfly Waltz / My Little China Girl
John Grimm runs a music store in Dahlonega, Georgia with a great selection of new and used old-time instruments and associated items if his store on the Mars Hill campus is anything to go by. Some of us will have seen him perform when he toured the UK with Beverly Smith a few years ago – there is no doubt he is a fine musician on a range of instruments, and his skills are very nicely showcased on this CD. Everything here has been written by John himself, and in my view all the tracks are excellent. There is quite a variety on offer, yet each is well steeped in the old-time style making them instantly familiar (you probably know the feeling, of almost knowing that tune: isn’t it… no wait - or maybe…). So the tunes are new, yet to my ear very comfortable, and all feel very accessible to the listener. John also plays all the instruments himself, nicely demonstrating his skills – he offers the listener dance tunes like Old Jake, the yearning Blue Porch, the delightful, loppy Moo Cow Rag, a couple of gorgeous waltzes, Vicki’s Waltz and Butterfly Waltz (the latter of which, for me, conjures up a vision of Jane Austen ladies in their finery) and the twisty My Little China Girl. Listen to Not Now But Always to hear an example of some excellent fretless banjo playing. John is no slouch on the guitar either … oh and he sings well too. There are two songs on the CD, Wild Bill and Granddaddy was a Moonshiner and, again, these feel very traditional even though some of the words are unashamedly modern. John is more than just a good musician: what comes across to me as a listener is his conviction. His performance is relatively understated and never flashy, but always expressive, which I personally prefer. John’s understanding of old-time music is abundantly clear. Overall, the album just has a very good-humoured feel which I really like. John recorded the tunes in his own studio: if you visit his website (www.vintagemusic.com ) you can see details, and a list of some of those who have recorded there. The sound quality on my CD is very good. There is a nicely printed double card sleeve with an inside photograph of various tempting instruments (from John’s shop?), a list of tunes, some brief background to the CD, a list of thanks and an invitation to find out more (including tunings for the CD content) at the website link – I think this may be via online chat as I couldn’t identify the link when I visited. You can also buy the CD there. If you are looking for a range of very good, listener-friendly tunes and songs firmly rooted in the tradition but new, I strongly recommend this CD. I’m delighted to have it in my collection.
Emily Poole
Available from: www.vintagemusic.com
Vintage/antique and new instruments, vinyl, lessons, music of all kinds. Dahlonega, GA. Take a step back in time!
