David Parmley’s “So, What’d I Miss?”: A Masterclass in Bluegrass Tradition, Recharged
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist Profile: The Cornerstone of Bluegrass
David Parmley is an institution in bluegrass music. A native of Southern California, his career launched professionally at age 17 when he co-founded the Bluegrass Cardinals alongside his father, Don Parmley, in 1974. The Cardinals were celebrated for their intricate harmonies and foundational role in the genre throughout the 1970s and ’80s. Parmley’s soulful lead vocals and powerful rhythm guitar were the backbone of that “Cardinal sound.” In the 1990s, he transitioned to a more contemporary bluegrass style, forming the acclaimed group Continental Divide, which earned the IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year award in 1995. After a period of hiatus, Parmley returned to recording, and So, What’d I Miss? serves as a powerful testament to his enduring vocal prowess, his deep respect for tradition, and his ability to collaborate with the very best in the business. Produced by Scott Vestal, the album features an all-star cast, including Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent, and Jim Hurst.
Track-by-Track Review: So, What’d I Miss?
This 10-song collection acts as a welcome retrospective of Parmley’s career and a showcase for fresh, traditional-minded bluegrass.
1. “All Dressed Up”
The album kicks off with a driving, humorous, yet melancholic song about a man putting on his best clothes only to be stood up. Co-written by Linda Buell, Geoff Buell, and Jody Emerson, the track immediately establishes a high-energy pace. Parmley’s vocal delivery is full of character, conveying the comical disappointment of the situation while the instrumentalists (including Vestal on banjo) deliver a crisp, powerful start, earning this song an early #1 single spot.
2. “West Virginia”
A salute to one of the genre’s spiritual homelands, this track is a classic country-bluegrass ode to home and heritage. The instrumentation swells, giving a feeling of wide-open spaces and mountain pride. Parmley’s vocal is warm and sincere, making it feel like a personal love letter to the Mountain State.
3. “Goodbye To The Blues” (with Del McCoury)
This track, originally recorded by The Johnson Mountain Boys, is a perfect vehicle for the vocal pairing of David Parmley and bluegrass legend Del McCoury. Their voices intertwine beautifully, reminiscent of classic duet recordings. The song is an upbeat, traditional number that feels instantly joyous, showcasing why the Parmley/McCoury collaboration—which dates back to the early 90s—is so beloved.
4. “Life Goes Better With A Song”
A mid-tempo, reflective song that focuses on the healing power of music. It’s a simple, universal message delivered with sincerity. The arrangement is clean and uncluttered, allowing the listener to focus on the melody and the optimistic lyrics, proving that sometimes, the simplest sentiments are the most effective.
5. “Climbing The Walls” (with Del McCoury)
Reuniting Parmley and McCoury for a second time on the record, this is a quintessential traditional bluegrass tune about heartbreak and anxiety after a woman leaves. The energy is intense, featuring sharp, traditional instrumental breaks and the tight, high harmonies that are characteristic of both Parmley’s and McCoury’s careers, evoking the timeless ’70s and ’80s sound.
6. “What Makes You Think” (with Rhonda Vincent)
This love ballad, which tells a story of dealing with rejection, is a standout moment, featuring the stunning vocal contributions of Rhonda Vincent. The blending of Parmley’s deep, soulful tone with Vincent’s crystalline vocals creates a rich, sorrowful texture. It’s an emotive performance that demonstrates the song’s country influences translated perfectly through a bluegrass lens.
7. “Smoke Along The Track”
Parmley revisits this classic tune, which he previously recorded with the Bluegrass Cardinals and Del McCoury in the Families of Tradition project. His interpretation here is a powerful and driving re-recording. This track serves as a direct, celebratory nod to his history and the foundational work of the Bluegrass Cardinals, showcasing his consistent command over traditional material.
8. “If You Can’t Feel It Baby”
This track has a slightly more contemporary feel, leaning into the neo-traditional side of the genre that Parmley helped pioneer with Continental Divide. It’s a rhythmic, confident number that encourages passion and honesty in a relationship, carried by strong instrumental work and tight backing harmonies.
9. “I’ll Be Here In The Morning”
A genuine gem of the album, this is Parmley’s brilliant interpretation of a Townes Van Zandt classic. Parmley’s emotive, low-register voice shines here, transforming the folk ballad into a deeply moving bluegrass performance. It’s a brilliant example of how traditional instrumentation can elevate and personalize the work of an iconic songwriter.
10. “Kentucky Means Paradise” (with Del McCoury)
The album closes with another collaboration with Del McCoury, bringing the journey to a high-spirited conclusion. The title track perfectly sums up the joy of finding where you belong. It’s a high-tempo, celebratory track that leaves the listener feeling like they’ve just left a fantastic live show. The energy is infectious, making it a fitting and memorable end to a focused and masterful album.
Summary:
So, What’d I Miss? is far more than a comeback; it is a strong statement from a seasoned veteran. David Parmley’s voice remains one of the most recognizable and soulful in bluegrass, and his curation of material here—balancing classic covers, traditional themes, and contemporary precision—is flawless. For fans of the classic Cardinal sound or neo-traditional bluegrass, this album is a necessary and highly rewarding listen.