Released 30 years ago
Wild Hog in the Red Brush
John Hartford · 1996
52 min · 19 tracks · bluegrass music
Traditional bluegrass melodies intertwine with Hartford's playful storytelling, creating a lively and nostalgic sonic tapestry.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Squirrel Hunters — This track opens the album with an energetic banjo-driven melody, illustrating Hartford's virtuosity and setting the tone for the playful spirit that permeates the record.
-
→
Wild Hog in the Red Brush — The title track encapsulates Hartford's whimsical storytelling style, blending lyrical humor with traditional melodies that reflect his deep appreciation for folklore.
-
→
Grandmammy Look at Uncle Sam — This song cleverly intertwines historical commentary with personal narrative, showcasing Hartford's knack for weaving social themes into engaging musical narratives.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- heartfelt storytelling with warmth
- vibrant tunes for communal singing
- short tracks for easy enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, epic compositions
- seek high-energy dance tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Wild Hog in the Red Brush marked John Hartford's return to recording after a period of relative quiet following his 1987 album, Aereo-Plain. This album showcases Hartford's deep roots in American folk music while reflecting his unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. By this time, Hartford had established himself as a pioneer of bluegrass and folk, yet he continued to innovate within the genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Doc Watson· Tim O'Brien· Tony Rice
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Grandmammy Look at Uncle Sam
The verse shifts from personal reflections to a broader commentary on national identity through the eyes of an elder.
This structural shift adds depth by contrasting personal history with collective memory, emphasizing how individual experiences shape understanding of national narratives.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Squirrel Hunters 2:31
- 2 Birdie 2:27
- 3 Grandmammy Look at Uncle Sam 3:07
- 4 Old Virginia Reel 2:44
- 5 Flannery's Dream 3:43
- 6 Down at the Mouth of Old Stinson 2:00
- 7 The Girl with the Blue Dress On 2:36
- 8 Wild Hog in the Red Brush 2:43
- 9 Over the Road to Maysville 4:16
- 10 Bumble Bee in a Jug 2:27
- 11 Bostony 2:42
- 12 Shelvin' Rock 3:29
- 13 Molly Put the Kettle On 1:59
- 14 West Fork Gals 2:37
- 15 Portsmouth Airs 2:25
- 16 Coquette 2:12
- 17 Jimmy in the Swamp 2:44
- 18 Lady of the Lake 2:57
- 19 Natchez Under the Hill 2:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.