Album Profile
Wildfire
Crash Course In The Blues
PRODUCTION NOTES
“Crash Course in the Blues,” the fourth studio album by bluegrass band Wildfire, delivers a high-energy mix of traditional bluegrass, honky-tonk country, and heartfelt ballads, showcasing the group’s tight musicianship and genre-blending prowess. Released in 2010 by Lonesome Day Records (catalog LDR-034), the album was recorded in the preceding period, marking a decade since the band’s formation in 2000. This effort earned recognition as the Cascade Blues Association’s entry in The Blues Foundation’s Best Self-Produced CD competition in 2017, highlighting its authentic, band-driven sound. Executive-produced by label head Randall Deaton, with audio engineering and producing done by Steve Thomas, the project emphasizes a clean, vibrant acoustic mix that captures the ensemble’s live intensity.
The 12-track album (approximately 39 minutes) features core members: Robert Hale on lead vocals and guitar, delivering sensitive yet sturdy performances with a classic rock edge; Curt Chapman on bass, providing solid rhythmic foundation; Johnny Lewis on banjo, with driving rolls; Steve Thomas on mandolin and fiddle, adding blazing solos and vocals; and Matt Despain on Dobro and vocals, contributing resonant tones. Guest Scott Vestal appears on banjo for the title track.
The repertoire balances originals and covers: Hale’s “Lies That You Told” (hard-edged) and “In This Town” (mellow); Steve Wariner’s title track “Crash Course in the Blues,” exploring life’s troubles; Bill Howard’s “She Burnt the Little Roadside Tavern Down,” a honky-tonk favorite; Tracy Lawrence’s “Used to the Pain”; Lionel Richie’s “Oh No”; Keith Whitley’s “Daddy Loved Trains,” rendered wistfully; Vince Gill’s “I Wanna Know Your Name” (boogie beat) and “Lifetime of Nighttime” (ballad about blindness); traditional “Paint This Town” (hard-driving); and gospel “When He Reached Down His Hand for Me,” infused with country soul. Additional tracks include “21 Years” and others rounding out the set.
Critically, the album received strong praise for its emotional range and execution. The Lonesome Road Review rated it 4/5, lauding Hale’s vocals and the band’s versatility in crossing bluegrass with honky-tonk and gospel. Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange called it “sterling top-notch bluegrass,” highlighting the fiery playing and Hale’s “hoots-n-hollows” pipes. Overall, “Crash Course in the Blues” solidifies Wildfire’s reputation for powerful, emotive roots music that appeals to traditional and contemporary fans alike.
TRACK LISTINGS
1. She Burnt The Little Roadside Tavern Down
2. Crash Course in the Blues
3. “It’s Christmas Time,” Jeff Parker’s festive follow-up to his acclaimed solo album “Go Parker!,” delivers a heartwarming blend of bluegrass and country holiday classics with a touch of contemporary flair. Released on October 29, 2013, by Lonesome Day Reco
4. Used To The Pain
5. Oh No
6. Lies That You Told
7. Daddy Loved Trains
8. I Wanna Know Your Name
9. In This Town
10. Lifetime Of Nighttime
11. Paint This Town
12. When He Reached Down His Hand For Me
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SOUND CLIPS
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