A Teacher, A Preacher, & A Bad Farmer
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
Listen to A Teacher, A Preacher & A Bad Farmer
A retired school teacher in his 70s, Ernie Palmer brings his guitar and vocals to these 12 timeless folk songs that welcome Aaron Zimmer, Jay Rudd, Vito Gutilla and Taylor Swan.
The indeed soft “How Gently” starts with Palmer’s unique voice in an intimate duet that uses Zimmer’s harmonica strategically, and “Gainesville Mill” follows with Rudd’s skilled banjo which suits the raw singing.
Entering the middle, “The Last Night At Tony’s” blends Palmer’s gentle guitar and poetic storytelling with warm banjo, while “The Ticket” is a fuller album highlight that benefits from Zimmer’s electric guitar and Rudd’s proficient bass.
Close to the end, “Garland Reese” comes with some bluegrass spirit amid the vivid storytelling and Rudd’s flowing mandolin, and “Comanche Moon” exits with Gutilla’s precise fiddle alongside rich textures and Palmer’s gritty pipes.
Palmer has enjoyed a hard working and dedicated life, and his observations unfold here with earthy, rugged and authentic song craft that will appeal to ears that appreciate old timey ways.
Travels well with: C. Daniel Boling- It Matters; Eric Schmitt- Wait For The Light