Southwest
Herb Pedersen
If Bob Dylan started country rock as we know it, then Herb Pederson
was the first to stick a bluegrass harmony or two on it. From
his groundbreaking direction on the Dillards classic albums "Copperfields"
and "Wheatstraw Suite" to his many appearances on the
recordings of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and just about everyone
else of importance in LA, Herb remains one of the most important
figures in the history of country rock music.
Herb had no equals..still doesn't. He virtually changed a pleasant
enough, but typical, bluegrass band like the Dillards into one
of the key country rock trail blazers of the 60's. Herb brought
the harmonies of the Louvins, the Everly's and the Beach Boys
into the world of pop rock, and almost single handedly made it
cool to sing like the Beatles while playing banjo's and mandolins.
He remains a master of harmony and a damned fine songwriter.
This solo album captures Herb at full throttle in the mid-70's.
It's all there..all the taste, style and creativity that he brought
to the L.A table, starting from the day he stepped into the shoes
of banjo virtuoso Doug Dillard. Never had a subtle replacement
turned out to be such an A Bomb of surprises.
More than just a great banjo player, guitarist
and singer..Herb Pederson was a map maker, one who set the course
and helped make bluegrass and country music "hip" for
all us LA guys who were trying to emulate him. This album is a
true "must" for all collectors of California country
music.
John Beland
Flying Burrito Brothers
www.johnbeland.com
|
