Mr. Bojangles (studio album) by Jerry Jeff Walker

This'n was way back there, and it could have used a lot more time and effort from the technicians; but who cares? It has Bromberg, it has a whole clutch of Walker's best work, and it is often available for a pittance.

A milestone debut from Jerry Jeff Walker, who literally became a Gypsy Songman when he left his home of Oneonta NY, hitchhiking in the pursuit of songwriting success. Walker was wise to keep production minimal and folky here. Not only has it stood the test of time but it also has all his early classics, in a solid acoustic showcase. The momentous Mr. Bojangles reigns supreme and it became a massive career staple for Walker and later for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, when their version two years later made the song a hit and a national treasure. Other notable gems here are Gypsy Songman, Little Bird, Maybe Mexico and My Old Man. It shows why the 60s folk movement still sees Walker as a crucial contributor to the era, even though he passed in 2020 after a struggle with cancer.

This is essential Jerry Jeff Walker, and a piece that captures the raw talent he brought to the table before he moved to Texas and collaborated with the Lost Gonzo Band.

Career Highlight: Mr. Bojangles
Gems: My Old Man, Little Bird

From Mercury 10/19/2017 20:35

This was a surprising recent discovery for me. Everything from the name of the artist to the name of the album to the pictures I'd seen of the artist, to the album descriptions of "Outlaw Country (to be fair along with folk and singer/songwriter) made me think this would be some gritty no-nonsense country album with lean and mean and somewhat silly lyrics 'bout living your own life and being a rough rider. But I saw it on Norman Bates' Normlore chart and I decided to check it out.

I can say there is nothing here which is like the description I laid out earlier. The song is a delicate balance between the bluegrass-y rambunctiousness of tracks like "I Makes Money", and most notably, the sweet, sensitive, introspective acoustic folk found on the brittle, beautiful, very lo-fi title track and "Broken Toys" and "Little Bird".

The most famous or most notable perhaps songs here is "The Ballad of the Hulk". And this track is...interesting. Its a jamming, hyperactive, organ-filled, anti-establishment gem of sorts. Its just this fast rapping vocal delivery of a sort of avalanche of defiant poetry. It's actually really cool. And as the song goes, the guitars and drums pick up more and more and it gets all the more propulsive. Its an interesting snapshot of the era as well.

Also gotta say Jerry Jeff Walker had a strong lyrical talent. Its surprising a bit to see he hasn't gotten as much credit as many of his peers, when I think he's on par with many of the greats (*cough*guy*clark*cough).

Anyway, this is a very cool album and I really like it. And what's more I may love his follow up, 1969's "Driftin' Way of Life" album even more. Which makes 1969 alllll the mooooore stacked... that's gonna be a chore. A glorious and fun one, but a chore nonetheless.

8.4/10