Stories the Crow Told Me
John Cohen's genius lies in his persistent devotion to the rawest, densest, and most playful shades of old-time music. Forty years ago he helped found the seminal New Lost City Ramblers--a band that continues to perform today--and began his life's work of documenting and mastering string-band music, especially the banjo. In the process he has exposed a whole new generation to old-time country played as it is meant to be--with passion, wit, and skill. Accompanied by David Grisman, Jody Stecher, and Sue Draheim, Cohen offers his first solo album, a smattering of familiar tunes such as "Cannonball," "Which Side Are You On?" and "Danville Girl." His voice cackles and cracks, and if not an easy listen, the songs reveal a secret history of American music. Fans of the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and contemporary bluegrass will recognize melodies and lyrics across this album, and perhaps hear in Cohen's banjo and moan a deep connection to acoustic music of all kinds.--Roy Kasten