Life, Love & Music – 5 Essential Albums 1966–1969 presents five essential, out-of-print albums by alt-country / bluegrass legend and Grammy Award-winner JOHN HARTFORD. Originally recorded for RCA Records, the albums John Hartford Looks at Life (1966), Earthwords & Music(1967), The Love Album (1967), Housing Project (1968) and John Hartford (1969) form the foundation on which Hartford built a legendary musical legacy. A contemporary of Kris Kristofferson and Mickey Newbury, Hartford's music is masterful and unique, never easy to categorise incorporating elements of country-rock, folk, bluegrass, pop and low-key hints of psychedelia. As a respected American roots scene multi-instrumentalist Hartford commanded a loyal fan base and following his involvement with the Coen Brothers' acclaimed film O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) and death in 2001, interest in his music has continued to flourish.
These albums presents some of his finest moments, including his original version of the self-penned ‘Gentle on my Mind’, later a major US hit for Glen Campbell and also covered by Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. Featuring musical contributions from famed session players James Burton (dobro, guitar) and Buddy Emmons (steel guitar) and production duties by Felton Jarvis and Rick Jarrad, these rollicking albums showcase Hartford's laconic wit, song writing skills and instrumental prowess. All Music Guide described Hartford as “a multi-talented old-time musician, a riverboat captain, a satirical songwriter, a one-man showman of exceptional talents, and one of the founders of both progressive country music and old-time string music revivalism”. With 63 tracks of superb audio quality, color booklet and detailed liner notes this is a must-have collection for all alt-country / bluegrass aficionados.