David Olney - High, Wide and Lonesome

David Olney's career has included forays into hard-edged roots-rock, quiet, introspective acoustic folk, and everything in between. The one constant has been his abilty to write concise, masterfully crafted and memorable songs. High, Wide and Lonesome represents simultaneously the most consistently strong and diverse selection of songs collected on any of Olney's albums. In addition, his performances are perhaps the best of his career, his voice striking a perfect balance between the bluesy swagger of Spider John Koerner and the intense, whiskey-soaked warblings of Townes Van Zandt. The backing musicians are uniformly excellent as well. Highlights include Rick Danko's funky bassline on "My Family Owns This Town," as well as guest performances throughout the album from several other alumni of The Band. The above-mentioned song and the preceding track, "Another Place, Another Time," are interesting in that each deals with the same small-town murder from a different point of view. In one song, the narrator is the deceased's spurned husband, in the other, her secret lover. Unusual twists of this kind are a specialty of Olney's and make High, Wide and Lonesome a must-have for anyone interested in thoughtful, yet raw and powerful folk music. ~ Pemberton Roach, All Music Guide

Name Credits Bradley Hartman Engineer Brian Ahern Bass Byron House Bass Carol Chase ? Daniel Moore Vocals (Background) David Hungate Trumpet, Guitar (Acoustic), Trombone, Tambourine David Olney Guitar (Acoustic), ?, Whistle (Human) David Vaught Vocals (Background), Bass, Engineer Deanie Richardson Fiddle Don Heffington Percussion, Talking Drum, Drums, Tambourine Donivan Cowart Engineer Ernest Bovine ? Garth Hudson Saxophone, Accordion, Piano, Keyboards George Bradfute Guitar (Electric) Glen Clark Organ, Wurlitzer, Vocals (Background) Glen D. Hardin Piano Glenn Worf Bass James Pennebaker Fiddle Jim Horn Saxophone Jimmy Markham Harmonica John Gardner Percussion, Drums Michael McCall Liner Notes Mike Dysinger Percussion Mike Fleming Bass Mike Henderson Guitar (Electric), National Steel Guitar Randy Leago Organ, Engineer, Wurlitzer, ? Rick Danko Bass Rodney Crowell Vocals Ronnie McCoury Mandolin Scott Musick Engineer, Tambourine, Vocals (Background) Sneaky Pete Kleinow Pedal Steel Tim Lauer Melodion, Accordion Tommy Spurlock Guitar (Acoustic), Lap Steel Guitar, Engineer, Vocals (Background), Guitar (Electric), Producer, Dobro