Album Info

Gypsy Songman

Gypsy Songman

By Jerry Jeff Walker

Country - 1987

Gypsy Songman isn’t so much a retrospective as an opportunity to accompany Jerry Jeff Walker as he tours his life.... more

Tracklist

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About Gypsy Songman

Gypsy Songman isn’t so much a retrospective as an opportunity to accompany Jerry Jeff Walker as he tours his life. Buoyed by plinking piano and spry mandolin, “Gypsy Songman,” “Pass It On,” “Got Lucky Last Night," and “Driftin’ Way of Life” are the result of Walker’s peculiar blend of bluegrass and Old West saloon music. He later grew into the Texas phase: “Railroad Lady,” “Hill Country Rain,” and “Jaded Lover,” which perfect his inimitable mix of sweetness and gristle. Because many of these versions are quite faithful to the original tracks, some fans seeking the original recording of “Mr. Bojangles” could be confused. It didn’t help that in 1999 Walker released an autobiography called Gypsy Songman and yet another compilation of rerecordings of his classic songs—again under the same title. Fans should appreciate the 1986 Gypsy Songman for what it is: an invitation to sit with Walker in a relaxed and nostalgic setting, delivering his old songs as though he and the band were set up in your living room.