John Hartford was a groundbreaking songwriter, and this article from johnchen.net delves into the unique aspects of his work, exploring his innovative approach to music and his lasting influence. By understanding his contributions, you can gain insights into the evolution of bluegrass and the power of creative songwriting.
1. How Did John Hartford Influence Sam Bush’s Music?
John Hartford deeply influenced Sam Bush and New Grass Revival, with Bush being captivated by Hartford’s banjo playing on The Wilburn Brothers Show. Hartford’s banjo style and songwriting, especially mixing bluegrass instruments with drums and electric bass, significantly shaped Bush’s musical direction. Hartford’s progressive approach and unique sound left a lasting impression on Bush.
Bush grew up watching Nashville television stations, where he saw great players and singers. He initially didn’t catch Hartford’s name, but later found his album Earthwords & Music in the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, which included songs like “Gentle on My Mind”. Hartford’s innovative use of banjo, combined with drums, electric bass, and piano, was groundbreaking, influencing Bush’s own approach to mixing bluegrass instruments. Bush noted that he started paying attention to lyrics and songs because of Hartford, whose main direction at the time was songwriting and singing. Hartford’s RCA records were very influential to Bush because they weren’t bluegrass at all.
2. What Was Unique About John Hartford’s Banjo Playing?
Hartford’s banjo playing was unique due to his Earl Scruggs-style rolls while singing, an unusual combination that caught Sam Bush’s attention. Bush had never seen anyone do that before, and it was this innovative approach that initially drew him to Hartford’s music.
Bush remembers seeing Hartford on The Wilburn Brothers Show, playing Earl Scruggs-style rolls on the banjo while singing. Bush initially questioned why Hartford didn’t play guitar, but later learned that he was a great guitar player. Hartford’s progressive style and his integration of bluegrass instruments with other genres set him apart. His ability to blend traditional banjo techniques with a modern sound was revolutionary. The banjo picking drew Bush to John. But once I got the record, it was the way he wrote songs. Then I was struck by hearing John play along with a rhythm section of drums and electric bass and piano and maybe orchestration right off the bat.
3. How Did John Hartford’s Early Career Differ From His Later Work?
Hartford’s early career focused on songwriting and singing, exemplified by his RCA records, which were not strictly bluegrass, whereas later in his career, he became more traditional and old-time in his thinking. This shift is evident in his transition from writing songs to composing fiddle tunes.
Hartford’s RCA records were influential to Bush, as they weren’t bluegrass. Bush noted that Hartford got more traditional as he aged, focusing on fiddle tunes, while his early career was primarily songwriting. Bush said that it was interesting to him that he got more traditional, got more old-time in his thinking, whereas when we met, we’d listen to Birds of Fire by the Mahavishnu Orchestra going down the road and try to figure out how to do some of those notes. There was just a heck of a lot of variety in his work. Later in life, he’s writing all these fiddle tunes, while early in his career, it was the songs.
4. What Role Did Television Play in John Hartford’s Exposure?
Television played a significant role in John Hartford’s exposure, with appearances on shows like The Smothers Brothers Show and Glen Campbell’s show. These appearances helped him reach a broader audience and showcase his unique musical style.
Bush recalls seeing Hartford on The Smothers Brothers Show and Glen Campbell’s show. On Glen Campbell’s show, Hartford would participate in acoustic picking segments, which Bush found enjoyable. Bush taped one of these segments where Glen Campbell and John Hartford performed “Great Balls of Fire” in a bluegrass style. The New Grass Revival later learned and performed this arrangement, with Courtney Johnson replicating the chromatic run he learned from Hartford’s performance on television. They’d have a little acoustic picking segment in each of Glen’s shows and that was really fun for me. I bet there’s a video on YouTube somewhere of Glen and John Hartford doing “Great Balls of Fire,” bluegrass-style.
5. What Is “Radio John” and Its Significance?
“Radio John” was John Hartford’s DJ name as a kid and a signature he used due to contractual reasons. It became the inspiration for Sam Bush’s original song “Radio John,” which honors Hartford’s many talents and facets of his life.
Bush explained that when New Grass Revival’s first album came out, there was a poem written about them, signed “Radio John from Topanga Canyon.” Hartford used this name because of contractual issues that prevented him from using his name, John Hartford, on other albums. Bush later wrote the song “Radio John” with John Pennell to honor Hartford’s talents, including being a steamboat captain, singer, dancer, picker, and writer. I started thinking about “Radio John” and wanted to write a song. I got together with John Pennell, Alison Krauss’s original bass player who wrote a lot of great songs that Alison recorded. We started writing this song over the phone during lockdown. We started making a list of all the things that we would try to mention in the song, and, man, we didn’t come close to being able to get all of the things that John was good at.
6. How Did Sam Bush Create His Tribute Album “Radio John: The Songs of John Hartford”?
Sam Bush created “Radio John: The Songs of John Hartford” as a musical love letter to John Hartford, playing nearly every instrument himself to highlight Hartford’s brilliance, creativity, humor, and musical talent. This album seeks to showcase Hartford as not only a brilliant, if not esoteric, songwriter but also as a creative composer, a humorist, and talented banjo player who approached music and life with a sense of wonder and whimsy.
Bush started the project in Florida, where he initially aimed to create tapes of Hartford’s songs to show his band. With the help of Donnie Sundal, who brought professional recording equipment, the project evolved into a solo record. Bush recorded the album during the lockdown, working with Rick Wheeler on vocals and banjo. The album features Bush playing various instruments, including banjo and bass, and includes the original song “Radio John,” co-written with John Pennell. By playing nearly every instrument on the album himself, Bush has created a loving tribute to a dear friend.
7. What Instruments Did Sam Bush Play on “Radio John”?
Sam Bush played fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and bass on “Radio John,” showcasing his versatility and deep connection to John Hartford’s music. Bush is known for his fiddle and mandolin skills, and he also plays guitar. This album revealed his ability to play banjo and bass, instruments he had not publicly performed on before.
Bush started playing the five-string banjo around 13 or 14. His parents had his granddad’s old Blue Comet five-string banjo. He learned from instruction books by Pete Seeger and Sonny Osborne and studied Earl Scruggs’ techniques. Bush also played bass violin in the concert band during high school. His experience with these instruments allowed him to create a personal and comprehensive tribute to Hartford. Nobody has. This totally blows my cover. But I picked up the five-string somewhere around 13 or 14 and started messing around with it.
8. How Did Béla Fleck Contribute to the “Radio John” Album?
Béla Fleck generously lent Sam Bush several great-sounding low banjos, including one of John Hartford’s banjos, for use on the “Radio John” album. Fleck’s generosity helped Bush achieve the desired sound and pay proper homage to Hartford’s banjo style.
Béla Fleck’s contributions were instrumental in achieving the desired sound on the album. Thanks to the generosity of Béla Fleck, I had some great-sounding low banjos to choose from. And the low one that I played the most was a Gold Tone. He had all wound strings on that banjo, which agreed with my lack of finesse with a right hand. He also loaned me one of John Hartford’s banjos, the one that he would tune to low D.
9. What Was Sam Bush Hoping to Achieve With “Radio John”?
Bush hoped that “Radio John” would encourage listeners to explore John Hartford’s early song work on RCA and appreciate the variety in his music. Bush aimed to capture the feeling that Hartford’s songs evoked in him and share that with a wider audience.
Bush mentioned that he hoped people would discover Hartford’s early work on RCA through his record. Bush said that when he has a reaction to music, it’s like, “Did I feel something as I listened to it?” These songs, they make me feel something. He wanted to showcase Hartford’s diverse musical talents and his impact on bluegrass music.
10. How Did Sam Bush Balance Tribute and Originality on “Radio John”?
Sam Bush balanced tribute and originality by emulating John Hartford’s phrasing and singing style while still adding his own unique slant to the songs. This approach allowed him to honor Hartford’s legacy while creating a fresh and engaging listening experience.
Bush aimed to capture Hartford’s essence while making the songs his own. He focused on Hartford’s phrasing and singing style but ultimately created versions that, while similar, maintained his unique sound. He noted that this balance was crucial in paying tribute while offering listeners a new perspective on Hartford’s music. That’s always the trick of trying to pay tribute to something while giving it another slant for people to hear. When I was recording, I was trying really hard to think of John’s phrasing and how he would sing it, and I did, for the most part, succeed.
11. What Qualities Defined John Hartford as a Songwriter?
John Hartford was defined by his innovative style, virtuosity, creative compositions, humor, and his ability to approach music and life with wonder and whimsy. His unique blend of bluegrass with other genres and his knack for storytelling set him apart.
Hartford’s progressiveness, particularly his early integration of bluegrass instruments with drums and electric bass, was highly attractive. His songwriting was characterized by his unique banjo picking and his knack for blending traditional and modern sounds. Sam Bush describes Hartford as not only a brilliant, if not esoteric, songwriter but also as a creative composer, a humorist, and talented banjo player who approached music and life with a sense of wonder and whimsy. What’s not contained in the covers can be found in the one original song, “Radio John,” which weaves many of the facets of Hartford’s life into lyrics.
12. How Did John Hartford’s Band the Aereo-Plain Band Represent a Change in Direction?
The Aereo-Plain Band, featuring Tut Taylor, Norman Blake, and Vassar Clements, represented a significant change in direction for John Hartford, moving from a keyboard-driven sound to a more traditional bluegrass setup. This transition showcased Hartford’s versatility and willingness to explore different musical styles.
Bush noted that Hartford’s earlier band, the Iron Mountain Depot Band, included a keyboard player, bass, drums, and a twelve-string guitar. The Aereo-Plain Band marked a departure from this sound, focusing on traditional bluegrass instruments. The band was John, a keyboard player, bass, drums, and a twelve-string guitar. The next time he had a band style situation, it was what we call the Aereo-Plain Band with Tut Taylor, Norman Blake, and Vassar Clements. So that was a big change in direction for him.
13. What Personal Qualities Did Sam Bush Admire in John Hartford?
Sam Bush admired John Hartford’s humor, talent, and the way he approached music and life with a sense of wonder and whimsy. Bush valued their friendship and the opportunity to play with and learn from one of his heroes. Bush was also influenced by Hartford’s personal qualities. Bush phrased it the best when she said, “It’s your love letter to John Hartford’s music.”
Bush appreciated Hartford’s progressive approach to music and his willingness to blend genres. Bush found joy in playing Hartford’s songs and was inspired by his ability to evoke emotion through music.
14. What Specific Songs of John Hartford’s Did Sam Bush Cover?
Sam Bush covered several of John Hartford’s songs, including “Gentle on My Mind” and others from the Earthwords & Music album. These covers are featured on his tribute album, “Radio John: The Songs of John Hartford.”
Bush’s album includes covers of “Gentle on My Mind” and other songs from Hartford’s Earthwords & Music album. Bush covered many of Hartford’s songs throughout his career (such as New Grass Revival’s rendition of “Vamp in the Middle” or the legendary “Steam Powered Aereo Plane”), and during our conversation I learned that both Hartford’s influence and the friendship they shared was much deeper than I knew. These songs reflect Hartford’s diverse musical style and his impact on Bush’s career.
15. How Did Sam Bush’s Musical Background Influence His Approach to “Radio John”?
Sam Bush’s background as an instrumentalist and his experience playing various instruments influenced his approach to “Radio John,” allowing him to create a comprehensive tribute to John Hartford. His familiarity with bluegrass and his ability to play multiple instruments made the solo album possible.
Bush started as an instrumentalist and gradually paid more attention to lyrics and songs. His experience playing fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and bass enabled him to record the album by himself, emulating Hartford’s banjo style while adding his own unique touch. I started as an instrumentalist, so I sang a lot of choruses and learned the words so I could sing along. But even back then I could tell John’s songs were different. They were the ones whose words I did pay attention to.
16. Why Did Sam Bush Choose to Play All the Instruments on “Radio John”?
Sam Bush chose to play all the instruments on “Radio John” to create a personal and intimate tribute to John Hartford, allowing him to fully express his interpretation of Hartford’s music. This approach allowed him to immerse himself in Hartford’s style and showcase his versatility as a musician.
By playing all the instruments, Bush could control every aspect of the sound and ensure that the album reflected his vision. The result is a loving tribute that highlights Hartford’s brilliance and Bush’s deep connection to his music. But making a record and playing everything yourself is not even close to being as much fun as playing with other people. I’m glad I did it once but the nostalgia for John is the joyful part of it, for sure.
17. How Did the Lockdown Period Impact the Making of “Radio John”?
The lockdown period provided Sam Bush with the time and space to focus on “Radio John,” allowing him to refine his vocals and banjo playing. Working with Rick Wheeler during this time helped Bush complete the album and ensure its quality.
The lockdown gave Bush the opportunity to dedicate himself to the project and work on the album in a focused manner. During the lockdown, we’d test and felt safe to be together and that’s when I got serious about working hard on the vocals and putting the banjo on. It allowed him to collaborate with Rick Wheeler and refine his performance.
18. What Makes “Radio John” Sam Bush’s Most Acoustic Record?
“Radio John” is Sam Bush’s most acoustic record due to its emphasis on traditional bluegrass instruments and its focus on John Hartford’s acoustic-driven compositions. Despite the inclusion of electric bass, the album’s overall sound is rooted in acoustic music.
Bush noted that the album is probably his most acoustic record, despite the presence of electric bass. The inclusion of electric bass is a nod to Hartford’s own musical arrangements, where it blended in with his unique sound. What’s funny is that after all these years, I made this record as a tribute to John and it’s probably my most acoustic record. Besides the electric bass.
19. How Did Sam Bush Learn John Hartford’s Banjo Techniques?
Sam Bush learned John Hartford’s banjo techniques by watching him play over the years and studying his forward rolls. He also gained insights from playing with Hartford and other banjo players like Courtney Johnson.
Bush watched and played with John Hartford over a period of years, which helped him understand Hartford’s unique approach to the banjo. Bush shared that back when Courtney Johnson was in New Grass Revival, I’d get up generally every day and go to his camper. He made very strong coffee and we’d drink coffee and play guitar and banjo and we’d switch. He emulated Hartford’s banjo style on “Radio John” to pay tribute to his influence.
20. How Does “Radio John” Reflect Sam Bush’s Personal Journey With John Hartford’s Music?
“Radio John” reflects Sam Bush’s personal journey with John Hartford’s music by showcasing the deep connection he developed with Hartford’s songs and his desire to honor Hartford’s legacy. The album is a testament to the influence Hartford had on Bush’s career and his profound respect for Hartford’s musical genius.
Bush mentioned that making the record was a nostalgic and joyful experience. Lynn phrased it the best when she said, “It’s your love letter to John Hartford’s music.” The album is a personal tribute that encapsulates Bush’s admiration for Hartford’s talent and their enduring friendship.
21. What Aspects of John Hartford’s Life Were Included in the Song “Radio John”?
The song “Radio John” mentions many of John Hartford’s talents, including being a steamboat captain, singer, dancer, picker, and writer. The song seeks to honor his multifaceted career and capture the essence of his unique personality.
Bush and John Pennell made a list of all the things they wanted to include in the song. I didn’t touch upon his beautiful calligraphy handwriting, and we couldn’t figure out a way to work 4×6 index cards into anything, but we just wanted to honor his many talents. The song is a tribute to Hartford’s diverse skills and contributions to music.
22. How Did Wes Corbett Contribute to the Song “Radio John”?
Wes Corbett played John Hartford’s low-tuned banjo on the song “Radio John,” contributing beautiful tone and showcasing his expertise on the instrument. This was Corbett’s first recording with Sam Bush’s group.
Thanks to Béla’s generosity, Wes played John’s low-tuned banjo on “Radio John” and pulled beautiful tone out of it. Corbett’s contribution added an authentic touch to the tribute and highlighted Hartford’s unique banjo style.
23. What Were Some of the Challenges Sam Bush Faced While Making “Radio John”?
Some of the challenges Sam Bush faced while making “Radio John” included technical issues with recording equipment, difficulties with overdubbing, and the need to recreate John Hartford’s banjo style. He overcame these challenges with the help of Donnie Sundal and Rick Wheeler.
Bush struggled with recording equipment and latency issues in Florida. He also found it challenging to emulate Hartford’s banjo style and had to work hard to refine his vocals. He tried putting some banjo down in Florida by myself, and I didn’t like any of it. A couple of the tunes I had to totally start over on.
24. How Did Sam Bush Use Electric Bass on “Radio John”?
Sam Bush used electric bass on “Radio John” to pay homage to John Hartford’s musical arrangements, where electric bass was often blended with bluegrass instruments. This decision reflects Bush’s desire to honor Hartford’s unique sound and musical vision.
Bush used electric bass on the album to emulate Hartford’s sound. John’s old records had Norbert Putnam on electric bass, and then, of course, on Aereo-Plain, Randy Scruggs was playing electric bass. That sound kind of blended in with Hartford music for me.
25. How Did Sam Bush’s Knowledge of Music Theory Influence “Radio John”?
Sam Bush’s knowledge of music theory, combined with his practical experience, influenced his approach to “Radio John,” allowing him to analyze and recreate John Hartford’s musical style. His understanding of musical structures enabled him to create a faithful tribute to Hartford’s work.
Bush’s background in music theory, along with his experience playing various instruments, helped him understand the nuances of Hartford’s compositions. This knowledge allowed him to create an album that is both a tribute and a personal interpretation of Hartford’s music.
26. What Lessons Did Sam Bush Learn From John Hartford?
Sam Bush learned the importance of innovation, creativity, and approaching music with a sense of wonder from John Hartford. He also learned the value of blending genres and pushing the boundaries of traditional bluegrass music.
Bush admired Hartford’s ability to blend genres and his willingness to experiment with different sounds. These lessons influenced his own approach to music and inspired him to create “Radio John” as a tribute to Hartford’s legacy.
27. How Does “Radio John” Contribute to the Legacy of John Hartford?
“Radio John” contributes to the legacy of John Hartford by introducing his music to a new audience and highlighting his unique contributions to bluegrass music. The album serves as a reminder of Hartford’s brilliance and his lasting impact on the genre.
Through “Radio John,” Bush aims to preserve Hartford’s musical legacy and inspire others to explore his work. The album is a tribute to Hartford’s genius and a celebration of his enduring influence on music.
28. How Did Sam Bush Feel About Releasing “Radio John” Post-Lockdown?
Sam Bush felt that releasing “Radio John” post-lockdown allowed him to share his love for John Hartford’s music with a world that needed it more than ever. The album’s themes of nostalgia and joy resonated with listeners during a challenging time.
The lockdown provided Bush with the opportunity to focus on the album and refine his performance. Releasing it post-lockdown allowed him to share a personal and heartfelt tribute to one of his heroes.
29. How Did Other Artists React to Sam Bush’s “Radio John” Project?
Other artists, like Béla Fleck and Alison Krauss’s original bass player John Pennell, supported Sam Bush’s “Radio John” project by contributing their talents and resources. Their involvement helped Bush create a high-quality tribute to John Hartford.
Béla Fleck’s generosity in lending his banjos and John Pennell’s collaboration on the song “Radio John” demonstrate the respect and admiration that other artists had for Hartford’s music. These contributions enhanced the quality and authenticity of the tribute.
30. What Advice Did Alan Munde Give Sam Bush About Banjo Playing?
Alan Munde advised Sam Bush that fancy licks are fine, but they don’t mean anything if you can’t play like Earl Scruggs. This advice emphasized the importance of mastering the fundamentals of banjo playing.
Munde’s advice influenced Bush’s approach to banjo playing and inspired him to study Earl Scruggs’ techniques. This focus on the basics helped Bush develop a solid foundation and create an authentic banjo style on “Radio John.” He’d say, “Fancy licks are fine, but they don’t mean anything if you can’t play like Earl.” I don’t think I took Earl for granted, but he was just one of those guys that I saw on TV my whole life.
31. In What Ways Did John Hartford’s Personality Shine Through His Music?
John Hartford’s personality shone through his music in his humor, storytelling, and ability to infuse his songs with a sense of wonder and whimsy. His unique perspective on life was reflected in his lyrics and musical arrangements.
Hartford’s personality was evident in his creative compositions, his approach to performing, and his interactions with other musicians. Sam Bush sought to capture these qualities in “Radio John” to pay tribute to Hartford’s unique spirit. The track listing seeks to highlight Hartford as not only a brilliant, if not esoteric, songwriter but also as a creative composer, a humorist, and talented banjo player who approached music and life with a sense of wonder and whimsy.
32. How Did the Ernest Tubb Record Shop Play a Role in Sam Bush’s Discovery of John Hartford’s Music?
The Ernest Tubb Record Shop played a crucial role in Sam Bush’s discovery of John Hartford’s music, as it was where he found Hartford’s Earthwords & Music album. This album introduced Bush to Hartford’s unique banjo playing and songwriting.
The Ernest Tubb Record Shop was a hub for country and bluegrass music, making it the perfect place for Bush to discover Hartford’s work. This discovery had a profound impact on Bush’s musical journey and inspired him to create “Radio John” as a tribute to Hartford. And so I brought it home and that album included “Gentle on My Mind” and a couple of others that actually are on this record.
33. What Is the Significance of Sam Bush Calling “Radio John” His “Love Letter to John Hartford’s Music”?
Calling “Radio John” his “love letter to John Hartford’s music” signifies the deep affection and admiration Sam Bush has for John Hartford’s work. It conveys the personal and heartfelt nature of the tribute, highlighting the emotional connection Bush has with Hartford’s music.
This phrase encapsulates the essence of the album, emphasizing the personal connection Bush has with Hartford’s music and his desire to honor his legacy. It also highlights the emotional investment Bush made in the project.
34. How Did John Hartford’s Performance at Western Kentucky University Impact Sam Bush?
John Hartford’s performance at Western Kentucky University had a profound impact on Sam Bush, inspiring him to pursue his own musical career. Bush’s eagerness to see Hartford perform, even in his muddy band uniform, demonstrates the influence Hartford had on him.
The performance at Western Kentucky University solidified Bush’s admiration for Hartford and reinforced his passion for music. This experience inspired Bush to dedicate himself to his craft and ultimately create “Radio John” as a tribute to his hero.
35. What Did Sam Bush Learn About Earl Scruggs From Studying His Banjo Techniques?
From studying Earl Scruggs’ banjo techniques, Sam Bush learned the importance of mastering the fundamentals and the genius of Scruggs’ playing style. This knowledge helped Bush develop a solid foundation and create an authentic banjo style on “Radio John.”
Through his studies, Bush gained a deeper appreciation for Scruggs’ skill and the importance of mastering the basics. This understanding informed his approach to banjo playing and inspired him to create a faithful tribute to Hartford’s musical legacy.
36. What Made John Hartford Such an Important Figure in Bluegrass Music?
John Hartford’s innovative style, virtuosity, and willingness to blend genres made him an important figure in bluegrass music. His contributions to the genre helped push its boundaries and inspire other musicians to experiment with new sounds.
Hartford’s impact on bluegrass music is evident in his unique banjo playing, his progressive approach to songwriting, and his influence on musicians like Sam Bush. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the genre today. Bush has covered many of Hartford’s songs throughout his career (such as New Grass Revival’s rendition of “Vamp in the Middle” or the legendary “Steam Powered Aereo Plane”), and during our conversation I learned that both Hartford’s influence and the friendship they shared was much deeper than I knew.
37. How Does “Radio John” Reflect Sam Bush’s Overall Musical Philosophy?
“Radio John” reflects Sam Bush’s overall musical philosophy by showcasing his versatility, his willingness to experiment, and his deep respect for musical traditions. The album embodies Bush’s belief in pushing boundaries while honoring the roots of bluegrass music.
Bush’s musical philosophy is evident in his eclectic mix of influences, his ability to play multiple instruments, and his commitment to creating innovative and engaging music. “Radio John” is a testament to his passion for music and his desire to share it with the world.
38. Why is John Hartford Still Relevant to Musicians Today?
John Hartford remains relevant to musicians today due to his innovative approach to music, his ability to blend genres, and his unique perspective on songwriting. His music continues to inspire and influence artists across various genres.
Hartford’s legacy as a pioneer in bluegrass music ensures that his work will continue to be studied and appreciated by musicians for generations to come. His influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of traditional music.
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