In The Groove EP.6: Gillian Welch - The Harrow And The Harvest
At Studio 1 Vintage Guitars, we’re always on the lookout for records that stand the test of time, and Gillian Welch’s The Harrow & The Harvest is one such album. This modern classic has been a staple in our collection, resonating with its haunting melodies and poignant storytelling. In this episode of In The Groove, we’re diving deep into this standout masterpiece in the Americana genre, exploring its background, key tracks, and the meticulous production process behind it.
The Harrow & The Harvest, released in 2011, marks Gillian Welch’s return to the studio after an eight-year hiatus following her albums Time (The Revelator) and Soul Journey. During this period, Welch contributed significantly to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, serving as associate producer and performing alongside Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris. The soundtrack’s massive success, selling over 8 million copies and winning four Grammy Awards, helped propel Welch into the mainstream, solidifying her place in the rise of Americana music.
Behind Welch’s evocative vocals and songwriting is her longtime musical and life partner, David Rawlings. The duo met at Berklee College of Music in the 1990s, and their collaboration has been a defining feature of their music. Rawlings’ guitar work is nothing short of unique, and his meticulous approach to production is evident throughout The Harrow & The Harvest.
The Harrow & The Harvest is a deeply introspective album, with Welch describing its 10 tracks as representing “10 different kinds of sad.” The recording process was almost entirely live, with most tracks taken from the first few takes and minimal post-production editing. This approach gives the album an authentic, raw sound that draws listeners into its melancholic world.
The album’s delayed release on vinyl—around 7 or 8 years after its initial release—added to its mystique. Welch and Rawlings were determined to ensure the highest quality reproduction from the tapes, investing heavily in custom Ortofon amplifiers and a Neumann cutting system to achieve a flawless vinyl edition. The result is a piece of engineering that stands as a testament to their dedication to their craft.
Some Favourite Tracks:
- “Scarlet Town”: The album opens with “Scarlet Town,” a track that showcases Rawlings’ deft cross-picking technique. Both guitars are capo’d up high, with Welch playing in Double Drop D tuning, providing a simple rhythm. Rawlings’ cross-picking, which relies on open strings for modal drone tones, creates a cascading, medieval harp-like effect that perfectly complements the song’s dark and mysterious lyrics. The chorus, “Well, look at that deep well, look at that dark grave,” encapsulates the album’s overarching themes of sorrow and introspection.
- “Hard Times”: “Hard Times” is a heartfelt tribute to fading rural traditions. The song’s simple yet powerful arrangement underscores the theme of resilience in the face of adversity. Welch’s soulful voice, paired with Rawlings’ delicate guitar work, creates a poignant reflection on the struggles and enduring spirit of rural life.
- “The Way It Goes”: “The Way It Goes” stands out for its intricate guitar parts and haunting narratives of hardship. The lyrics tell stories of falling off the rails, with lines like “Betsy Johnson bought the farm, stuck a needle in her arm, that’s the way that it goes, that’s the way. And her brother put her down in that cold Kentucky ground, that’s the way that it goes, that’s the way.” The chorus, with its line “everybody’s buying little baby’s clothes,” hints at the unbroken circle of life. David Ward and Dave Khan, both fans of Welch and Rawlings, offer a stunning rendition of this track, with Ward playing the lead on the same Epiphone archtop guitar that Rawlings uses, and Khan filling in the rhythm on a 1950s Gibson Country Western.
The production of The Harrow & The Harvest is marked by intricate arrangements, unisons, and harmonies, with diatonic (standard) chord progressions enriched by modal chromatic runs and drone tones. Rawlings famously plays a 1930s Epiphone Olympic archtop acoustic guitar, which contributes significantly to the album’s distinctive sound. His obsession with production details—down to measuring the voltage on his faders and splicing 2-inch master tape edits—ensures that every aspect of the recording process meets the highest standards.
The Harrow & The Harvest is a masterclass in Americana music, combining Gillian Welch’s evocative songwriting with David Rawlings’ exceptional guitar playing. The album’s meticulous production, delayed vinyl release, and the duo’s dedication to their craft make it a must-have for any music enthusiast. We at Studio 1 Vintage Guitars are proud to feature this record in our collection, and we invite you to explore it further. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Welch and Rawlings’ music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Be sure to check out these records at Studio 1 Vintage Guitars and OnVinyl.co.nz. Stay tuned for more deep dives into the music we love!