The Hillbenders - Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry (2015)

45 years after its initial release, The Who's rock opera Tommy has been transformed by The Hillbenders into a full-length bluegrass tribute with all of the original record's energy, instrumental showmanship, and rock star vocals in tact.

Originally recorded with a full rock band, the dynamic bluegrass quintet recreated the legendary album with a banjo, Dobro, mandolin, bass, and guitar. The Bluegrass Opry, as its been dubbed, brings a new perspective to Tommy while paying homage to its creators.

SXSW co-founder and musician/producer Louis Jay Meyers conceived the idea of a bluegrass opry and felt he'd found the right band to pull off this high-wire approach to the record when he met The Hillbenders, a band known for its ability to bridge the gap between musical genres and fans.

This album comes packaged in a 4-color bi-fold wallet with an 8 page folder with full credits, lyrics and liner notes.

TRACKLIST

01. Overture (3:49)
02. Captain Walker (1:41)
03. 1921 (2:20)
04. Amazing Journey (3:00)
05. Sparks (2:50)
06. Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker) (2:05)
07. Christmas (4:10)
08. Cousin Kevin (3:41)
09. The Acid Queen (3:15)
10. Do You Think It’s Alright? (0:26)
11. Fiddle About (1:18)
12. Pinball Wizard (3:44)
13. There’s A Doctor (0:21)
14. Go To The Mirror (2:58)
15. Tommy, Can You Hear Me? (0:56)
16. Smash The Mirror (1:21)
17. Sensation (2:19)
18. Miracle Cure (0:13)
19. Sally Simpson (3:35)
20. I’m Free (1:58)
21. Welcome (3:39)
22. Tommy’s Holiday Camp (0:48)
23. We’re Not Gonna Take It/See Me, Feel Me (5:34)