Jimmie Dale Gilmore
One Endless Night

By Steven Stone
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CD Stock Number: Rounder Records 1161-3173-2

 

  Jimmie Dale Gilmore has a voice that folks instantly love or hate. His nasal Texas twang is reminiscent of Willie Nelson with his panties in a twist. He is known as a songwriter, but One Endless Night has only two of his compositions, instead it is more an homage to other songwriters. Bruce Hancock, Townes Van Zandt, Willis Allan Ramsey, and Walter Hyatt, all Texas boys, are represented. To show he isn't totally a Big-Star State chauvinist, John Hiatt, Jesse Winchester, Jerry Garcia, Steve Gillette, and Kurt Weill round out the songwriting credits. This is Jimmie's first independent release after leaving a Nash-Vegas major label four years ago. Welcome to the real world.

Buddy Miller not only co-produced this CD, but recorded, mixed and mastered it as well in his own home studio, Dogtown. Naturally he played guitar, mando-guitar, baritone guitar, and regular 'ol acoustic guitar. Emmylou Harris, JimLauderdale, Victoria Williams, and Julie Miller helped out on background vocals. Other musicians included Darrell Scott on Dobro, guitar, and mandolin, Don Heffington on drums, Byron House on Bass, Phil Madeira on Hammond B3, Tammy Rogers on fiddle, and Jim Hoke on autoharp. 

If you have a friend who likes bluegrass and hates country, or one who loves folk and hates country, or one who loves country and hates bluegrass try this CD on 'em. It has a way of endearing itself to folks who don't think they'll like it. Like an old well-loved jacket, long lost and now found, it just feels right when you put it on.

Enjoyment: 80

Sound: 70