Pharis and Jason Romero are pure craftspeople. A renowned banjo builder, Jason spent years developing his own personal designs, and on Tell ‘Em You Were Gold, his handmade instruments take center stage. Over a half dozen uniquely crafted banjos are played by the duo in the course of the album. There’s conviction and delicacy in this music, which ranges from duets that showcase the pair’s deep psychic and artistic connection to solo banjo meditations and full band romps. Recorded over six days in an old barn in Horsefly, British Columbia, the album displays the multiple Juno Award-winning duo playing music that is honest, direct, and reflective of life’s beauty and knottiness.
1Souvenir03:23
Music: Pharis Romero/Jason RomeroLyrics: Pharis Romero/Jason Romero
2Cold Creek Shout03:00
Music: Jason RomeroLyrics: Jason Romero
3Rolling Mills03:58
Music: TraditionalLyrics: Traditional
4Sour Queen03:35
Music: Pharis Romero/Jason RomeroLyrics: Pharis Romero/Jason Romero
5Pale Morning02:33
Music: Jason RomeroLyrics: Jason Romero
6Train on the Island02:34
Music: TraditionalLyrics: Traditional
7Lady on the Green03:01
Music: TraditionalLyrics: Traditional
8Cannot Change It All04:27
Music: Pharis Romero/Jason RomeroLyrics: Pharis Romero/Jason Romero
9The Dose02:05
Music: Jason RomeroLyrics: Jason Romero
10SS Radiant03:17
Music: Jason RomeroLyrics: Jason Romero
11Been All Around This World03:30
Music: TraditionalLyrics: Traditional
12Black Guard Mary03:08
Music: Pharis Romero/Jason RomeroLyrics: Pharis Romero/Jason Romero
13Going to Town02:04
Music: TraditionalLyrics: Traditional
14Going Across the Sea03:39
Music: TraditionalLyrics: Traditional
15Five Miles From Town02:48
Music: TraditionalLyrics: Traditional
16Old Bill's Tune03:05
Music: Pharis Romero/Jason RomeroLyrics: Pharis Romero/Jason Romero