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Rating: There were still two years to go before the release of that album that granted the Nitty Gritty Dirty Band eternal glory, namely "Will the Circle be Unbroken," a triple album featuring musicians like Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs, which became the epitome and encyclopedia of traditional country and bluegrass. (It’s worth noting that a Volume Two of this album was made in 1989 and a Volume Three in 2002).
This "Uncle Charlie," which comprises 21 tracks, stands out not only for its still-rock sound but also for the freshness and joy it emanates and transmits at every moment.
The album alternates electrified country rock moments like "Rave On" (which reminds me of the early Eagles) or the opening track "Some of Shelly's Blues," where harmonica, banjo, guitar, and vocals come together beautifully, with acoustic episodes like "Billy in the Low Ground," dominated by the mandolin. It's also delightful to be soothed by the acoustic guitars in the notes of "Livin' Without You," which blends with the most traditional bluegrass: "Clinch Mountain Backstep." Yet, amidst the album, we also find strokes of genius like a piece just for banjo, the sonatina "Opus 36," which Muzio Clementi wrote for them at the end of the eighteenth century... To make everything even more rustic, there are interviews with dear old Uncle Charlie scattered throughout the album, naturally accompanied by a ramshackle guitar and the howling of a dog. But after the dog, their most famous song launches, a remarkably romantic and amazing version of "Mr. Bojangles," the Jerry Jeff Walker piece that boasts an impressive number of covers. Later in the album, I want to mention "House at Pooh Corner," a track that was brought to success shortly before by Loggins and Messina, here slightly more lively and cheerful.
In conclusion, I find Uncle Charlie one of the best Country and Country Rock albums, an album that, when listened to now, still exudes good cheer as well as professionalism (the musicians play divinely!) and that I recommend to anyone who wants to relive the magnificent years of country.
Tracklist and Lyrics
14 Mr. Bojangles (03:36)
I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you,
In worn out shoes,
With silver hair, a ragged shirt, and baggy pants
The old soft shoe.
He jumped so high, jumped so high
Then he'd lightly touch down.
I met him in a cell in New Orleans, I was down and out.
He looked to me to be the eyes of age as he spoke right out
He talked of life, talked of life, he laughed, clicked his heels a step
(CHORUS)
He said his name "Bojangles" then he danced a lick across the cell
He grabbed his pants, a better stance, o he jumped so hi, & he clicked his
heels
He let go a laugh, let go a laugh, shook back his clothes all around
(CHORUS)
He danced for those at minstrel shows & county fairs,
throughout the south
He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him traveled about.
His dog up and died, up and died, after 20 years he still grieves.
He said I dance now at every chance in honky tonks for drinks and tips
But most the time I spend behind these county bars cause I drinks a bit
He shook his head, and as he shook his head I heard someone ask him please
(CHORUS)
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