|
CMN: How did you find some of the friends that help you on Jimmy Brown?
FR. RICHARD: I have already told you earlier about Ron Yule, who is the
fiddle player on some of the cuts. Ron is long-time friend and an excellent
musician who happens to be Missouri Synod Lutheran. My repertoire on the banjo
is much more diverse than it would have been had I not known Ron. He plays lots
of styles and tunes. Jimmy Orchard is the other fiddle player who really adds an
old time feel to the songs that I wanted that on. Jimmy organized the Ozark
Bluegrass Boys in 1969 and I have been playing the banjo for him when I can for
about three years now. Jimmy has done a lot to promote Bluegrass in the Ozarks
and I really respect his knowledge of the music and his ability. Frank Ray plays
the mandolin on the CD and is one of the best mandolin players anywhere. It's
been just great knowing Frank. He is a member of the Assemblies of God and our
discussions have been deep when we have been out on the road. You don't talk
very long to Frank about the Bible without knowing that he has really tried to
penetrate its mysteries. He has a gift for it and it's always refreshing to see
how much the Spirit has led him to profound truth. He is a member of the Ozark
Bluegrass Boys.
|
CMN: There is some great vocal talent on the new CD. Who, besides you,
sang on it?
FR. RICHARD: Rich Orchard, who sings lead on Jimmy Brown, the Newsboy, is
Jimmy's younger brother and is the lead singer for the Ozark Bluegrass Boys.
Rich is a good rhythm guitar player and has perhaps the most awesome Martin D-28
guitar in the world! Rich is a fine Christian man; he and his wife Juanita are
members of the Church of Christ. It was Rich who initiated our meeting and my
entry into the Ozark Bluegrass Boys. Rich had heard about me and decided to go
check me out at a spot where I was playing one night.
Clifford and Sue Blackmun, who sing on a number of the songs, are from Louisiana
and are two of my friends from the days when I was learning to play Bluegrass. I
will put Clifford and Sue up against any husband and wife team of Bluegrass
singers. I enjoy them so much. Clifford brings a special gift to the music with
his Primitive Baptist background. That comes through on the a cappella “I'll
Wear a White Robe.”
Guy Stevenson, who leads on “Over in the Gloryland”, is the bass player for the
Ozark Bluegrass Boys these days. Guy, however, played bass for a couple of years
for Bill Monroe in the 70's. Guy is also a member of the Assemblies of God and
is just a great person to be around.
CMN: Thank you Father!
|
