Jimmie Bratcher

This is Blues Country - Classic Country Songs in Blues Style

This is Blues Country brings Jimmie Bratcher back to his roots as a young guitarist who owned both Jimi Hendrix’ Axis Bold As Love and Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison. Recording blues-based versions of classic country songs makes perfect sense as, blues and country retain a strong connection to each other.

“Honky Tonk Blues” is presented here as a straight rocker that honors author Hank Williams’ reputation as a prodigal son.

“You Are My Sunshine” veers off into a soul-jazz vibe. A close listen reveals the Louisiana state song is not quite the joyful ode to love the title implies. “Everybody thinks it is happy-go-lucky, but it says don’t take my sunshine away because, if you do, you will regret it.”

“Singing the Blues” Marty Robbins’ switches here to a Texas shuffle feel. It features terrific guitar tones, produced and engineered along with the rest of the record in Bratcher’s home by the guitarist himself. “

“I Don’t Hurt Anymore” Hank Snow’s weeper is performed in the British- blues style that first inspired Bratcher’s guitar playing. “I wasn’t going for anything in particular until I put the lead part in it, then it started to sound like Gary Moore,” he says.

“Under Your Spell Again” typically associated with Buck Owens’ Bakersfield honky tonk version, is here given a pop soul feel.

“Am I That Easy to Forget” demonstrates that R&B and Country ballads are not far removed. “I just loved that song, and especially the Jim Reeves version,” he says. “I thought it fit the soul feel.”

“Don’t Worry About Me” Marty Robbins’ was the first country recordings to feature a fuzz effected guitar.

“My Sweet Love Ain’t Around” is a somewhat obscure Hank Williams song. That turned into a southern rock monster.  

“Today I Started Loving You Again” The Merle Haggard classic, came from a version by a blues legend Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland. “We used the piano part and I stuck a resonator guitar on to blues it up a little bit more.”

“I Can’t Stop Loving You” Finally, the band heads down to New Orleans. This brings the concept home as Bratcher and band reaffirm the ties that bind the various  branches of American roots music together.

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