Ernie Thacker Update

Ernie is still on the ventilator.  However, He is awake and alert.  The doctors say that he still has a very long recovery process ahead of him.  The have been trying to ween him off the ventilator with success.  Ernie still has pnemonia and is showing little improvement.  Please keep Ernie and his family in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time and please remember the Ernie Thacker Fund.

Ernie and his family would also like to extend their deepest condolences to the families of Ralph "Hank" Smith and Jack Cook. Your families are in our prayers. 

Track Listing - click icons to preview tracks in Windows Media Player.

1

The Ballad Of Charlie Dill

2

Detroit City Chill

3

This Drinkin' Will Kill Me

4

Friday Once Again

5

The Hangman

6

Keith How Many

7

I Wish You Knew

8

Church Upon The Hill

9

Pickin Up The Pieces

10

Rollin' On These Rubber Wheels

11

Sunday Morning Coming Down

12

Word Of Mouth

Pinecastle Records Release

Newest CD February 10, 2009

The songs on the CD vary from original songs written by some of the band members and family members to

classic bluegrass from some of the best such as, The Stanley Brothers, and Jim and Jessie

to old country classics by Dwight Yokam, and Johnny Cash.

Although their schedule isn't as full as it once was Ernie & Route 23 are booking some shows for the 2009, season.

If you are interested in getting one of the Hangman CD's or any of the other CD's listed on the discography page you may do so by:

sending check or money order in the amount of $20.00 to:

Dorthy Thacker

978 Breaks Park Road

Haysi, Virginia 24256

We will ship you your order along with a receipt of purchase as soon as it is received

REVIEWS

“This isn’t exactly a bluegrass concept album, but it’s pretty darn close. Filled with story songs, Thacker opens with a killing song (”The Ballad of Charlie Dill”), continues with some more wildness before a punishment comes (title track “The Hangman”). The album does have the atmosphere of a story arc with 12 story-songs within the larger tale. Thacker is a talented musician. This album is his first since coming back from a near-fatal car wreck a few years ago. He comes back with his talents intact and music with a deeper purpose.” -By Dean Poling VDT View

“At first glance, one would assume Ernie Thacker's music to be a dark recording. A black CD imprinted with the stark contrast of a red hangman's noose does not bring to mind sugar coated images.”

“There are songs of shot down lovers and outlaws on the run to Mexico. Thacker sings of lost and lonely wanderings from home, divorce and lost love. Drinking to excess and early demise of country singers stories are sung with conviction. But just when you think the man is lost, redemption and songs of faith give hope. Thacker survived a life-threatening accident a few years back, and one suspects the CD is metaphorical for his personal saga. It does ring authentic.” - By Bobby Jones

“Another excellent release from Pinecastle bluegrass records. Particularly original, especially with that voice, not very common in bluegrass. “