John Fogerty Rides Again With Blue Ridge Rangers
I've been a Creedence Clearwater Revival fan since I found a Greatest Hits album in my mother's record collection long ago. I always hated the idea of them disbanding in turmoil in 1972. Singer, guitarist and primary songwriter John Fogerty wouldn't even sing those amazing swampy tunes for about 25 years. Instead, he started working under the name the Blue Ridge Rangers and released an album of covers in 1973, playing all the instruments himself. He decided that if he was ever going to do another Rangers album, he would be "getting some real guys to play on it." For The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again, saying that he has done that is an understatement.
The album features Fogerty's ageless and raspy voice, along with session vets Kenny Aronoff on drums, Greg Leisz on pedal steel, Dennis Crouch on bass, Buddy Miller on guitar and about eight other aces offering fiddle, mandolin, Dobro and background vocals. As if that wasn't enough, Fogerty enlisted some familiar friends for guest appearances. Bruce Springsteen joins in on the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved" and the Eagles' Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit both sing on Ricky Nelson's "Garden Party," a tune that Fogerty says he relates to very much.
The song choices are another interesting point. Only one is a Fogerty original, "Change in the Weather," and it's right in the CCR vein. The others were chosen this way -- "If I'm allowed to get up with a bunch of people in a country bar somewhere, these are the songs I'll do," he said. Yes, John, you are allowed, and please do. He has also said that the only real link between them is that they are all songs he loves, but the album comes out with a definite country flavor. There's John Prine's "Paradise," John Denver's "Back Home Again" and intoxicating versions of Buck Owens' "I Don't Care (Just as Long as You Love Me)" and Ray Price's "I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)." They will challenge the originals for your love. Check out this interview from the L.A. Times to learn a little more about the project. It's still not CCR, but after 36 years, Fogerty's definitely back on top of his game.
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RICHARD SIMON says:
Fogerty has always been at the top of his game, and I have seen every NY area appearance of his.
I also saw CCR live in 1969,,,, all amazing stuff.
james clark says:
i think this blue ridge rangers is better that the first one i love all the song on this cd it is great
Leeann says:
This is an excellent album. I also think it’s even better than the first one.
Redmaz says:
Been a fan of Fogerty and CCR since the 70’s and wish him all the best. I see this album hitting the AMERICANA Charts by next week. One thing John Fogerty is…pure Americana. You have no idea way back in the 70’s what a thrill it was when guitarist finally cracked the John Fogerty guitar mystery. Including myself. of course once you did you realized how simple it was! It was just that initial breakthrough that was such a thrill…..
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william pitts says:
I have been a fan of ccr and John’s since the late 60’s. All of his albums and songs are great. It is truly refreshing to hear true country music the way the founding fathers meant for it to be.. Way to go John. Thanks for all the years of music you have shared with america your talents. May God bless you and your family.
Rene says:
It’s a great country album, but I really like John’s first two albums “BRR” and “John Fogerty” the best. Somehow I don’t see why there’s a new version of his own “Change In The Weather”, because it doesn’t fit the concept of the first BRR album. And being someone who always made great new arrangements of other’s songs, why did John just copy the original arrangement of Rick Nelson’s “Garden Party”?
The Blue Ridge Rangers Ride Again – John Fogerty « The Blue Ridge Rangers Ride Again – John Fogerty says:
[...] John Fogerty Rides Again With Blue Ridge Rangers | CMT Blog I’ve been a Creedence Clearwater Revival fan since I found a Greatest Hits album in my mother’s record collection long ago. I always hated the idea of them. [...]
Steve Gilbert says:
Saw John Fogerty on David Letterman. It appeared that he didn’t want to perform “Proud Mary,” which was started by Paul Shaeffer as the program was ending. He was singing, but not playing guitar. Am I reading too much into this?
Globals says:
all good things