For many musicians in the Americana and bluegrass worlds, stories of how they found their way to the late, great John Hartford are quite similar: An eye-opening, life-changing musical moment sparked by the witty, vibrant tunes of the Grammy-winning, river and steamboat-obsessed, flatfoot dancing legend. Hartford discarded norms and let his experiences, influences, and sense of humor shine, all while playing multiple instruments on a virtuosic level. Thankfully for his legion of dedicated fans and the musicians he influenced, his surprises have yet to slow down. Today, with the release of Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project Volume 2, another album built from Hartford’s thousands-deep collection of unheard fiddle tunes and a few oldie fan favorites, his legacy shines as bright as ever.
Again co-produced by John’s daughter, Katie Harford Hogue, along with Sharon Gilchrist and Megan Lynch Chowning, Volume 2 celebrates some of the most beloved female artists in the Hartford-inspired bluegrass scene: Rachel Baiman, Phoebe Hunt, Ginger Boatwright, Brittany Haas, Deanie Richardson, Allison de Groot, Della Mae, The Price Sisters, Uncle Earl, and many more. Volume 2 contains thirteen new Hartford instrumental fiddle tunes and five “legacy” covers of beloved John Hartford songs, all of which take on new life under the hands—and voices—of some of the finest musicians around.
Stream or purchase Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project Volume 2 today at this link, and for the uninitiated, check out Volume 1 featuring Sierra Hull, Tim O’Brien, Alison Brown, Ronnie McCoury, and more right here.
For fans who can’t get enough Hartford, the Hartford family has rallied their efforts around the Goodle Family Patreon page: a subscription-driven home base for all things John Hartford. Whether it be archival releases, updates on the Fiddle Tune Project, or in-person/livestream fan meetups. For more information, please visit johnhartford.com.
Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project Volume 2 Tracklist:
Irish Familiarity
The Julia Belle Swain
Grant Marsh & Joseph La Barge/Little Pig/Entertainment Tonight (medley)
Spirit of the South
Availability
I’m Still Here
Kenny and Mac
Merry Christmas
Learning To Smile All Over Again
Royal Box Waltz
Takes Her Clothes Off
Gasoline Alley No. 1
No End of Love
Living Up Stairs
Not Soft Enough
Don’t Throw Her Down
Steam Powered Aereo Plane
Champagne Blues
More About John Hartford: One of the most respected musicians in Nashville history, John Hartford is considered a cornerstone of the newgrass movement due to his 1971 masterpiece, Aereo-Plain. He won a career four Grammy Awards, including two for his 1967 recording of “Gentle on My Mind,” a third for his 1976 album Mark Twang, and a fourth for his contributions to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack in 2000. He was posthumously inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2010, was awarded the Americana Music Association President’s Award in 2005, and the Folk Alliance “Spirit of Folk” award in 2011.
