Album Notes

Local indie label PLIMRO Records, is celebrating the release of A Town Hall Party Vol.1 Featuring Big Lou Bryant. The first in a series, Volume 1, is a tribute to The Jukebox 4, a popular local party band from the mid 1940s. The music on the disc is from the early days of country and features some fine musicians who stand in for some members that have long since passed.

The disc was inspired by modern day country legend Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s “Come On Back,” a tribute to his Dad. Producer and engineer Mark Bryant sought to record and produce a quality record as a tribute to his own father, “Big Lou” Bryant, who is featured on the album and is still playing guitar and singing every day at the age of 83! You need only close your eyes while listening to the opening track “You Call Everybody Darlin’” and you are immediately transported back to 1946. His tender sweet voice still brings a tear to the eye as he sings favorites like Red Foley’s “Old Shep” and Buddy Jewel’s “Today I Started Loving You Again.”

While the record certainly has the feel of a sentimental journey, the musicians and production on this album give the disc a contemporary flair not unlike recent productions of T-Bone Burnette, providing modern-day brilliance while maintaining an old-time feel. Featured artists include Stan Swiniarski on piano and Steve Latt on fiddle and pedal steel. Together they provide a wonderful classic country sound when joined with The Jukebox 4, who these days consist of “Big Lou” and three of his own sons to round out the group.

Although many CDs may set out to capture what “Town Hall Party” does, very few are able to succeed. This disc however, seems to get it right in every way. This is one disc that will see plenty of plays on your CD player and deserves high praise.