The Bluegrass Sessions was the sixty-first studio album by country music legend Merle Haggard. The album was released on October 2, 2007, on the McCoury Music and Hag Records labels.
The bulk of this wonderful album was cut live in the studio in one day, with very little overdubbing.
In what was touted as the Hag’s “first ever foray into bluegrass,” the outcome wasn’t exactly traditional bluegrass, despite being produced by Ronnie Reno. Rather, it comprised a collection of reconstructed Haggard tunes (“Big City”), alongside new songs from the esteemed Country Music Hall of Famer himself (“Pray,” “What Happened?”). A touch of the blues was also present, with a medley of Jimmie Rodgers songs and the Delmore Brothers’ “Blues Stay Away from Me,” which played a pivotal role in shaping Haggard’s country-blues-and-Western-swing roots.
Haggard didn’t attempt to adopt a high tenor head voice or incorporate bluegrass phrasing, nor did he pursue a lightning-fast, hard-charging bluegrass sound. Nevertheless, he enlisted the right musicians to infuse his country repertoire with a bluegrass flavor. Marty Stuart contributed mournful mandolin, blending in as an ensemble player rather than a standout star. Renowned sidemen Carl Jackson, Rob Ickes, and Aubrey Haynie lent their talents as well. Additionally, Alison Krauss provided a vocal duet on “Mama’s Hungry Eyes.”
While there were no major surprises to be found, Haggard’s familiar themes were present. “What Happened” echoed his recurring theme of America’s decline, and he sang of a woman who had left him in the lurch throughout the album (“Runaway Momma,” “I Wonder Where to Find You”). However, the iconic country legend sounded more inspired than ever and almost revitalized, pouring his heart and soul into the performances and showcasing some of the most disciplined singing of his illustrious career.
Hear the entire album…..
All songs written by Merle Haggard except where noted.
"Runaway Momma" – 3:49
"Pray" – 2:53
"What Happened?" – 3:42
"Jimmie Rodgers Blues" – 4:17
"Learning to Live with Myself" – 4:09
"Mama's Hungry Eyes" - with Alison Krauss – 3:37
"I Wonder Where To Find You" – 2:54
"Holding Things Together" – 3:25
"Big City" (Haggard, Dean Holloway) – 3:38
"Momma's Prayers" – 4:08
"Wouldn't That Be Something" (Merle Haggard, Freddy Powers) – 3:28
"Blues Stay Away From Me" (Alton Delmore, Rabon Delmore, Henry Glover, Wayne Raney) – 3:45