Del McCoury Band – Almost Proud (Del McCoury, 2022)
Del McCoury Band’s excellent album, “Almost Proud,” encapsulates a working-class spirit. It is an engaging and masterfully crafted set, deeply grounded in tradition. “Almost Proud“features four songs about lost love, a love song that echoes others he has dedicated to his wife of 57 years, Jean; two songs about infidelity; two about drinking; one lauding the value of hard work; and another about a blue-collar hero who defies big coal in early 1900s West Virginia.
“Running Wild,” a dynamic bluegrass piece that McCoury started over a decade ago, was finally finished after his son and band member, Ronnie McCoury, played him a forgotten demo snippet. The song lasts just over two minutes and showcases McCoury’s distinct voice along with the skilled playing of his sons, Ronnie (on mandolin) and Rob (on banjo), as well as long-time bandmates Alan Bartram (on bass) and Jason Carter (on fiddle).
During the pandemic, McCoury immersed himself in music, listening to over 200 songs, including some he had neglected for over a decade. He listened carefully, searching for songs that moved him, excited him, or piqued his interest. McCoury describes the album as a collection of his favorite finds during the pandemic. He and the Del McCoury Band recorded the album in the studio, adding in some classics such as “Rainbow of My Dreams,” which McCoury first heard sung by Lester Flatt in the 1940s.
“Almost Proud” comprises songs by various writers, both renowned and lesser known, and includes performances by some old friends. The album includes new songs such as “Running Wild” and “Almost Proud,” written by Eric Gibson and Mike Barber and cut within hours of being written. McCoury collaborated with Vince Gill, a longtime friend, on “Honky Tonk Nights” and picked “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” from a recent Kris Kristofferson album to tell the story of married couples who become strangers. McCoury also worked again with Josh Shilling, who joined him on piano for “Once Again.”
Like his live performances, McCoury approached “Almost Proud” with the perspective that if he wasn’t interested, he couldn’t expect the audience to be either. Although he is “almost proud” of what he has accomplished, McCoury is always proud of the music he records.
Del McCoury is the lead vocalist and guitarist, Ronnie McCoury plays mandolin, provides backing vocals, and leads the guitar on “Working Man’s Wage,” while Rob McCoury plays banjo. Jason Carter plays fiddle and provides harmony vocals, and Alan Bartram plays upright bass. Additional musicians include Josh Shilling on piano for “Once Again” and “Other Shore,” and Vince Gill as a guest vocalist on “Honky Tonk Nights,” engineered by Matt Rausch.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.