Adam Hurt - Back to the Earth

Back to the Earth is a follow up to Adam Hurt’s solo gourd banjo album Earth Tones (2010). The gourd banjo, an ancestor of the modern banjo akin to the instruments brought to America by West African slaves, has a rich history and deep cultural ties to the music of Appalachia. This record is at once a historical document, showcasing the banjo sounds of an earlier age and a completely modern work. The gourd banjo is perhaps experiencing a renaissance which may be partly due to the fact that today’s recording techniques can capture more fully the nuanced sound of such an instrument and this album is a perfect example. Modern players of old time music are digging deeper these days as well, following the trail of the banjo back to its varied roots. Hurt is master of clawhammer banjo, and has once again put together a gorgeous collection that honors the traditions and pushes the boundaries of the instrument. The tunes range from hypnotic trance-like grooves to uptempo hoedowns riding along with some of the finest musicians in modern acoustic music. The players joining Hurt on the album include; Brittany Haas (fiddle), Paul Kowert (bass), Jordan Tice (guitar), Marshall Wilborn (bass), David McLaughlin (mandolin), Beth Williams Hartness (guitar), and Ricky Skaggs (mandolin)

Old time banjo, at its best, works with the balance of drive and delicacy. The solid right hand rhythm is essential, but unlike the combination of supersonic jet and steamroller heard (and loved) in many bluegrass bands, the breathing of the instrument needs equal attention. With the subtle tones of the gourd banjo this is especially true and it’s clear that Adam Hurt understands this. He honors the the notes and the spaces between them, allowing the banjo to really sing.

Back to the Earth is a beautiful meeting of drive and delicacy, a wonderful work.

-Kevin Slick