Album Notes

Just Passing Thru is the latest 2008 CD Release from Janet McGarry. It marks the 8th recording by our reigning Eastern Canadian Bluegrass Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year, a title Janet has held for the past five years, in addition to many other awards and nominations she has received for her music.

Just Passing Thru includes new songs handed to Janet by such greats as Tom T. and Dixie Hall and Louisa Branscomb who wrote Allison Krauss’ break out song “Steel Rails”. It also includes some rediscovered early gems arranged with fresh and innovative timings and rhythms. Many of the selections invoke thoughts of home such as the first cut “Goin’ Home” penned by Roberta and Gary Gordon. Tom T & Miss Dixie shared wonderful memories with Janet when handing the song “How Are You” which tells the story of the loneliness they feel since the passing of their dear friend Janette Carter. There is perhaps no greater musical legacy than the music of the Carter Family and a fine example of this collection is “Hold Fast to the Right”written by A.P. Carter , one of Janet’s favorite songs also included on this CD.

While passing Thru, Janet also tells stories of heartbreak in such songs as “Change of Heart” beautifully written by Felice & Boudleaux Bryant and “Too Late, Too Late” a poignant song by Lynn Davis as well as other great early Bluegrass and Mountain songs delivered with an honest and sincere voice. The album concludes with “Wildflowers on the Hill” a wonderful song penned by Louisa Branscomb which Janet discovered while spending time with her at her ranch in Tennessee.

Special guests Heather Berry and husband Tony Mabe also appeared on this song which Janet was able to arrange also while she was in Nashville to record her collaboration for the newest “Daughters of Bluegrass” CD courtesy of Blue Circle Records. Janet was so pleased to have Heather and Tony play on this song. Heather is playing an Orthey Autoharp “Pop Stoneman” Model, and Tony is playing a 1935 Kalamazoo Archtop KK31 guitar. The song’s arrangement is also reminiscent of the Carter Family style of music.

This album was produced by Serge Bernard. Serge collaborated with Troy Engle, from Nashville, TN. on the instrumentation, and Serge and Roxeen Roberts provided the harmony vocals.

Janet has already begun what will be another busy festival season throughout the Maritimes with her band “Wildwood”. Joined again this year by her husband, Serge, and the husband and wife team of Roxeen & Ryan Roberts from Wolfville, NS, they have a full schedule playing the Maritime Bluegrass Festival Circuit, plus other engagements throughout.

Says Janet “We sincerely appreciate our fans and look forward to each new gathering with them.” For a full listing of performance dates, check out www.janetmcgarry.com.