Album Notes

Hitchin’ Cricket released their first album, Jay, in 1999. It is the only Hitchin’ Cricket album with a song, “Dusty Road”, co-written by the late Jay Howell. Produced by the band and lead guitar work done by Patrick Casper and co-writing done by Andy Manla, Jay is on its third album press. After the release of “Jay”, multi-instrumentalist Dan Woolley joined the band, adding more percussion and life to the music, as well as a mandolin. When Hitchin’ Cricket released “Jay” it won glowing reviews and a devoted group of fans. The track "The Advise of Saint Boo Boo” was the main theme of the album. Besides using country ballads and blues rock as a touchstone for their music Hitchin’ Cricket made their blues influences on many tracks apparent including album closer "Chitlin’ Whitlin’." Hitchin’ Cricket’s experimental side also came out on two tracks; "Broken Glass" and "First Snowfall" which saw warmth and more studio effects being added to their sound. It was during this time that Casper’s lyrics began to become more melting and introspective instead of being based on words that really don’t say much of anything.

A must have for any music collector.