JB and Jamie Dailey: Step Back in Time
Reviewed by Brenda Hough
Song List: Ashes of Love, White Oak on the Hill, Will the Angels Play Their Harps For Me, Mother Prays Loud in Her Sleep, It Was Only the Wind, Great Speckled Bird, Vision of Jesus, Behind These Prison Walls, Praying, Have You Love Your Love For Me, Lily Dale, Gloryland.
Jamie Dailey has had great success as a musician and is now a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He is part of the award-winning Dailey & Vincent band and was the stellar tenor voice in the Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Band for many years. Such talent is often nurtured in childhood, and Jamie learned his first musical lessons from his father JB. Though JB has never recorded an album on his own, Jamie was the driving force behind this collection of classic bluegrass songs that were part of his childhood. JB has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, so putting his voice and talents on a recording was both a tribute and a remembrance. Joining the duo are Darrin Vincent on guitar, vocals, and bass, Tristan Scroggins on mandolin, Patrick McAvinue on fiddle, and Charlie Cushman on banjo.
“Behind These Prison Walls” begins with a duet between father and son, and the strong harmonies bring to mind many classic recordings. JB’s strong lead vocal intertwines with Jamie’s high tenor harmony, and the resulting blend is thrilling. The opening song, “Ashes of Love,” has been embellished with JB’s dobro playing, and his playing is also featured in the instrumental “Lily Dale.” Other classic songs include “Nobody’s Darling But Mine,” “Great Speckled Bird,” and a stirring gospel quartet version of “Gloryland.” Tom T. Hall’s “It Was Only the Wind” is a gentle song about a mother left at home and JB’s heartfelt rendition will grab your heart as only a well sung song will do. For fans of old time bluegrass songs and well blended harmonies, this album is a joy to behold.