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I'm
A Believer
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Track Information
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1.
Are You On The Right Road (2:22)
(Aubrey Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
2.
Preach The Word Of The Lord (2:24)
(Aubrey
Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
3.
I Found A Friend (2:53)
(Aubrey
Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
4.
When Jesus Comes Down (2:58)
(Aubrey
Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
5.
A Box Seat In Heaven (2:21)
(Aubrey
Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
6.
Street Preacher (1:58)
(Tom
Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
7.
The Roses Must Die (3:14)
(Aubrey Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
8.
The Church Bells Are Ringing Again (2:24)
(Aubrey
Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
9.
Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus (3:18)
(Hazel
Houser)
Central Songs - BMI |
10.
You Better Talk To The Lord (2:24)
(Tony
Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
11.
Dreaming Of A Little Cabin (3:18)
(Albert
Brumley)
Stamps-Baxter Music - BMI |
12.
I'm A Believer (2:28)
(Tony
Holt)
Tulipland Publishing - BMI |
Sincerity,
spontaneity, and variety are the catchwords in the
Wildwood Valley Boys' first all-Gospel project, I'm A
Believer. A church-going background is reflected
in the voices and in every phrase. The title cut,
written and sung by Tony Holt (with a banjo kickoff from
Wes Vanderpool), tells it all in the line "I'm a
believer in the Word of God". This second project for
Rebel Records is sure to be another winner.
The band has emerged at a time when bluegrass music, born
in 1939, has truly taken its place in the world as an art
form that cannot be overlooked. Theirs is the true
traditional music of the people who held it together and
made it grow because they were tough, dedicated and
determined. The Wildwood Valley Boys with lead
singer Tony Holt fall into that same category. The
heat or cold, dust or mud, long roads traveled, the longer
hours spent, the unexpected expenses - all inconveniences
can be taken in stride. Just like the pioneers
before them, they possess all the ingredients of "stayers"
and will be counted among the bands that will help keep
bluegrass music alive through the years. And the
stirring songs found here can help make the staying easy,
can help bring the standing ovations so often received at
bluegrass festivals on both sides of the Mississippi.
Tony Holt inherited his voice and songwriting ability from
his father Aubrey, a touring musician for many years and
one of the best. Tony could never take his music
lightly or be "just a musician in a band";
rather, the music is in him, and it has to come out.
With one of the finest voices on the circuit, he has the
power and stamina to give it his all, and does so, whether
it be on stage or in the recording studio.
Each of the hand-picked songs here is sure to be some
fan's favorite, for there is a wide reach in content and
type. Arrangements almost always include the
unexpected, since originality is a Holt tradition and
trademark. Ten of the songs are Holt-family written:
Tony (2), his uncle, Evangelist Tom Holt (1), and his
father, Aubrey (7).
The right voices for the right songs are an unbeatable
combination. When Tony breaks out on the joyous,
up-tempo "Are You On The Right Road," a person
ought to hear tambour9ines ringing; "Street
Preacher" will have fans swaying in their lawn chairs
and clapping to the rhythm. "A Box Seat In
Heaven" will melt hearts; and the very personal,
indescribably beautiful "I Found A Friend"
expresses a feeling with which everyone can relate to
(this is the only duet on the album and is sung by Tony
Holt and Jamie Johnson). "You Better Talk To
The Lord," Tony makes the rafters sing (or the leaves
flutter!); then Jeff Holt joins in on the chorus and both
voices soar.
Each of the accompanying musicians is noteworthy in his
own right. Some are seasoned veterans, others are
younger, but all have learned well. Blending their
talents, this group has produced a gem of and album that
epitomizes the heart and soul of bluegrass music.
Fresh new songs, outstanding lead and harmony sung with
deep feeling, and superb instrumentation have made I'm
A Believer a product that is everything a bluegrass
recording should be. Not only is it entertaining, but it
is uplifting, leaving one with a feeling of regeneration
and exultation.
Bluegrass music lovers cannot afford to pass this one by.
As they play it several times, they will understand what I
mean and will treasure it through the years.
Bill
Grant
Hugo, Oklahoma
January 2000
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The
Musicians
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Tony
Holt
---------- Vocals & Guitar
Jeff Holt ------------ Vocals
Jamie Johnson ----- Vocals & Mandolin
Mike Elliott --------- Dobro
Gerald Evans Jr. -- Fiddle,
Mandolin
Glen Inman -------- Bass
Wes Vanderpool - Banjo |
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