Long Journey

Personnel: Michael Hurley (vocals, guitar); Robert Iwaskiewicz (guitar, bass, background vocals); Christopher L'Estrang (12-string guitar, dobro); Rob Hykys (pedal steel guitar); Peter Stampfel (banjo); Elvin Woods (violin); Al Zanzler (trumpet); Morgan Huber (bass, piano, mandolin); Derick Semler (bass, background vocals); Dave Reisch (bass); Robert "Frog" Nickson (drums); John Keyes, Medulla (background vocals).
Recorded at Dimension Sound Studios, Boston, Massachussets.
Includes liner notes by Jim Macnie, David Greenberger, Ira Kaplan, Bob Jordan, and Peter Stampfel.
Michael Hurley is a true American treasure. Sadly, he's been toiling in relative obscurity since the mid-sixties. Hurley's small but devoted following knows that he writes perfectly formed songs, which he delivers with a casual honesty that's all too rare. LONG JOURNEY was originally released in 1976 and is filled with songs that sound like they should be standards--indeed, many performers plying their trade today would do well to be playing the songs of Michael Hurley.
The bluesy, backporch feel is inviting and perfectly rendered by a small but ideally-suited band of musical cohorts. Beauty, humor, and some fresh vantage points (veering towards the gleefully oddball) make these fifteen songs step out of the stereo speakers and plop right down beside you. Listen to a Michael Hurley album and you've made a friend forever. Start with either this one, SNOCKGRASS, or HAVE MOICY (which features Hurley along with Peter Stampfel, assorted Holy Modal Rounders and other like-minded artists).