Prescription Bluegrass Reviews Walt Crider and the Old Time Way - The Ballad of Johnny Anderson

All across America , and the world for that matter, there are bluegrass bands cut from the same cloth as Walt Crider and the Old Time Way.

These bands, these people, are the life blood that perpetuates this music from one generation to the next. Unless you are from the Pennsylvania area chances are that you have never heard of this band until now.

But those same odds say that you have more than likely heard this band's counterparts on the small stages, local festivals, and VFW halls of your own neck of the woods.

“ Perhaps not as polished and prepped as the headline bands of today, but still, music with a message, music played with heart, music that tells a story”

As you listen to the 15 cuts on this project entitled “The Ballad of Johnny Anderson” it becomes clear that Walt and his band are entrenched in playing music that reflects their love of heartfelt lyrics, solid patriotism and gratitude for sacrifices made by those who have valiantly served this country. The title cut for instance is a true story of a local lad that went to Vietnam never to return. Mr. Crider, himself a Vietnam Vet, has chosen to include several songs that induce heartache such as The Ballad of Johnny Anderson, Another Night, The Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn, and then meads out hope with selections such as I Know His Voice and Let Us Break Bread Together. And like any good bluegrass set, a hard driving instrumental ( Big Country) is thrown in for good measure.

It is evident that this band plays music that they like, music that has meaning to them personally. Cuts such as Carl Perkins' Turn Around and Farron Young's Alone With You attest to the fact that when it came time to record this CD, the unwritten rulebook of what is and what isn't “bluegrass” was never cracked. And that, my friends, is ok. Bluegrass it is. Perhaps not as polished and prepped as the headline bands of today, but still, music with a message, music played with heart, music that tells a story.

If you have occasion to visit the National Memorial of Vietnam War Casualties in Washington D.C., take a moment to look for the name of Johnny Anderson. It is easy to find. It is the first name listed.

*Walt Crider / Guitar & Vocals, Deb Kauffmann / Bass & Vocals, Dave Robertson Mandolin & Vocals, Max Allison / Banjo, Brandon Michael / Fiddle.

Reviewed by Marty Warburton

Cedar City, Utah