Croweology coming May 31

coweologyRickey Wasson became synonymous with the sound of J.D. Crowe & The New South during the band’s final years. Singing lead and playing guitar, Rickey’s rich, soulful baritone covered all the hits Crowe had recorded with legends like Tony Rice, Keith Whitley, or Richard Bennett at the microphone, plus new songs Wasson cut for the first time with Crowe.

One can make the argument that Rickey was the prototypical New South vocalist, possessing so many of the qualities of those that came before him in the group’s 40 year span as to both accurately recreate their songs on stage with Crowe, and create a band legacy of his own.

Now that Crowe has retired and The New South disbanded, Wasson has recorded an album of his favorites from the band’s repertoire which he calls Croweology. Set for release next week, the project will be on the Truegrass Entertainment label, founded and operated by Rickey’s daughter, Alicia.

Wasson serves as the primary vocalist, though rising country/bluegrass artist Mo Pitney is featured on three tracks and Steve Gulley on one. Harmony vocals were provided by Dan Tyminski and Don Rigsby, certainly two of the strongest tenor voices in our music.

To serve as the band for these tracks Rickey put together some real power hitters. Ron Stewart plays fiddle and the daunting role of Crowe’s banjo, Adam Steffey plays mandolin, and Harold Nixon bass. Either Wasson or Pitney handles the guitar.

The songs they have decided to cover include classics from Crowe’s long career:

  1. East Virginia Blues
  2. For Lovin Me
  3. She’s Gone, Gone, Gone
  4. Home Sweet Home Revisited
  5. You Can Have Her
  6. You Can Share My Blanket
  7. I’m Walkin’
  8. Railroad Lady
  9. You Are What I Am
  10. Ten Degrees and Getting Colder
  11. God’s Own Singer
  12. Rambling’ Boy
  13. Crying’ Holy Unto The Lord

Croweology is set for an official release on May 31. Audio samples and pre-orders are enabled now on the Truegrass web site. This is the real thing, folks.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.