The Other Side

Biography

Chris Hillman is likely the most gentle tough guy in the West Coast music biz. Ironically, some of his best music has been recorded in places like Nashville and Springfield, VA. Nevertheless, it's not unusual for many to link him strictly with the "Bakersfield Sound". "The Other Side" was recorded in January 2005 in Burbank with the able assistance of outstanding musicians like most of Hillman's previous solo albums. Of course, there is Herb Pederson joined by Larry Parker (lead guitar), Gabe W...

Chris Hillman is likely the most gentle tough guy in the West Coast music biz. Ironically, some of his best music has been recorded in places like Nashville and Springfield, VA. Nevertheless, it's not unusual for many to link him strictly with the "Bakersfield Sound". "The Other Side" was recorded in January 2005 in Burbank with the able assistance of outstanding musicians like most of Hillman's previous solo albums. Of course, there is Herb Pederson joined by Larry Parker (lead guitar), Gabe Witcher (fiddle), Sally Van meter (dobro), Bill Bryson (bass) and Skip Edwards (accordion). Jennifer Warnes sings harmony on "The Water Is Wide". "The Other Side" is arguably his best solo recording because it covers so much ground without leaving the bluegrass genre. Hillman states in the liner notes that thesre are "songs to soothe and uplift". They do. No doubt "Eight Miles High", the Byrds classic that Hillman added thundering bass lines to in the 1960s, has received its share of coffeehouse musician treatments in the decades since its release. It has not received the understated brilliance of the treatment Hillman gives it here. Other "anthems" of this collection include the title track, "True He's Gone" and "The Water Is Wide". The beauty and simplicity achieved in these songs is seldom matched by others. Hillman gives a Christian touch to the album with "True Love", "Heaven Is My Home", "Heavenly Grace" and "Our Savior's Hands". These would be welcome additions to any Sunday service or revival but would be welcomed by the most wary secularist on their artistic merits alone. Another recurring theme that is executed so well by Hillman's mournful and soulful voice is love, losing love or love lost. To that end, "Touch Me", "It Doesn't Matter" (re-make of the Stephen Stills & Manassas version) and "I Know I Need You" are included. Finally, Hillman includes some sage and sentimental notes on life with "Drifting" and "The Wheel". If other songs in this collection don't bring tears, these can do it. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.