In Session 7 of The Banjo Style of J.D. Crowe, Bill looks at J.D.’s playing on the Flatt and Scruggs jam standard “Your Love Is Like a Flower” as well as two different solos to “Dark Hollow,” another bluegrass standard that has been a staple of J.D.’s playing for many decades. 

“Crowe on the Banjo: The Music Life of J.D. Crowe:”

 For Session 7, read through Chapter ten and the Coda, finishing Marty Godbey’s biography. Chapter ten covers J.D.’s six-year retirement and subsequent return to bluegrass while the Coda consists of many insightful quotes from other musicians.

“Your Love Is Like a Flower”

“Your Love Is Like a Flower” is a Flatt and Scruggs standard that is the first track on the Bluegrass Album Band, Volume 2, released in 1982. Bill takes a look at J.D.’s first solo as well as his down-the-neck back-up to verse one and his up-the-neck back-up to verse two. 

“Dark Hollow”

 J.D. first recorded “Dark Hollow” on the 1968 album “Bluegrass Holiday” and this song has been featured in most Crowe live performances ever since. Unlike versions by other bands, J.D. takes this song at a blues-infused medium tempo. Bill looks at two different kick-offs. First, here’s a great video of J.D. playing with the New South at the 1999 Festival of the Bluegrass in Lexington, Kentucky. In 2008, J.D. recorded a slightly different solo to “Dark Hollow” on New South lead vocalist Rickey Wasson’s solo album. 

For the last session on Wednesday, April 26, Bill will be coming to you live from Nashville with special guest Ron Stewart. Ron played fiddle with J.D. for nine years and he’s also an outstanding banjo player who plays with the Seldom Scene. Try not to miss this session live. it will be a terrific way to conclude the series.