This copy, which has a variation of the maroon early Vanguard label, not sure exactly when it was pressed, or where, was the best copy we played in our shootout. So tubey and natural, why don’t more records sound like this? The recording itself is superb, with audiophile quality sound all the way. And the music is just as good, fully deserving the 4 1/2 Stars All Music Guide gave it.

Over the last few years you’ve seen rave reviews for many Vanguard recordings – Joan Baez, The Weavers, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, etc.

You can confidently add Jerry Jeff Walker’s Driftin’ Way of Life to that list.

Side One

White Hot – big, clear, rich, and lively.

Listen to the second track, Morning Song to Sally. It’s so natural sounding you will quickly stop judging the quality of the reproduction and just start enjoying the show.

Side Two

Super Hot, close to the best we played. By the second track the sound is tubey and harmonically rich, with Jerry Jeff’s voice front and center.

Not edgy, not dry, not thin, not dull the way so many are. Just right.

Some Players You Might Know

And if you don’t, the list might give you a hint as to some of the sounds you are likely to hear on the album.

David Briggs – Clavinet, Harpsichord, Piano
David Bromberg – Guitar, Guitar (Electric)
Kenny Buttrey – Drums
Charlie McCoy – Harmonica
Wayne Moss – Guitar
Norbert Putnam – Bass
Hargus “Pig” Robbins – Piano (Electric), Tack Piano
Harold Ruggs – Dobro, Guitar (Steel)
Pete Wade – Dobro, Fiddle
Jerry Jeff Walker – Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals

TRACK LISTING

Side One

Driftin’ Way of Life
Morning Song to Sally
Shell Game
Ramblin’, Scramblin’
No Roots in Ramblin’
Old Road

Side Two

North Cumberland Blues
Let It Ride
Fading Lady
Gertrude
Dust on My Boots

AMG  Review

A beautifully simple album of country-flavored original songs, mostly from the point of view of the sentimental roustabout, this great record sounds as though the players just went in, knocked it off, and hit the road.