Old Crow Medicine Show Launches New Album

Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Sony Music Nashville/Twitter

America’s foremost “new old-time” music band, Old Crow Medicine Show, had plenty to celebrate on Thursday, April 19.

The Grammy-winning group was profiled in that day’s New York Times. It is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This is the fifth anniversary of its Opry cast membership. Most importantly, Old Crow launched its new Volunteer album with a release party at its old stomping grounds, The Station Inn.

“If there was ever a more apt metaphor for ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken,’ it’s Old Crow Medicine Show,” said Sony Music Nashville CEO Randy Goodman introducing the band.

He explained that it was “hearing their vision and hearing their passion” that led to him marshaling the might of Columbia Records in Nashville behind the string band.

“Thanks Randy,” said group leader Ketch Secor. “Let’s play some hillbilly music!”

Old Crow performed tunes from the new collection. Bookended by the rousing hoedowns of “Shout Mountain Music” and “Flicker and Shine,” the set featured “Dixie Avenue,” “Whirlwind,” “Look Away,” “Child of the Mississippi” and “Old Hickory.” The songs touched on swamp rock, romantic balladry, Delta funk, contemporary folk, Southern nostalgia and more.

Secor and band mates Critter Fuqua, Morgan Jahnig, Chance McCoy, Joe Andrews and Cory Younts romped merrily. The Station Inn was packed. Barbecue was served.

In case you’re wondering, the title Volunteer grew from a conversation between Secor and Roy Acuff that went something like this. Acuff: “Country music isn’t learned; it is inherited.” Secor: “It takes volunteers to carry that inheritance.”