Sharon Anderson - Life And Times featuring Springtime Johnny

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Review by Jim Curwood

Life And Times Featuring Springtime Johnny: A Raw Appalachian Journey You Can’t Ignore Let’s cut to the chase—Sharon Anderson’s Life And Times Featuring Springtime Johnny isn’t your typical polished folk album. Released in 2011 under Canada’s radar (literally, it’s “Not On Label”), this record hits hard with its stripped-down Appalachian soul. It’s got grit, heartbreak, and enough twangy instrumentation to make you feel like you’re sitting on a creaky porch somewhere deep in the hills. The album clocks in at 24 tracks, which sounds excessive until you realize every damn one of them feels necessary. Tracks like "Henrietta" and "Springtime Johnny" stick with you—not because they’re perfect but because they’re real. Take “Henrietta,” for example. This track kicks off the album with Sharon’s raw lead vocals slicing through layers of acoustic guitar, banjo, and mandolin courtesy of Michael Shellard and George Bradfute. The harmonies? They’re not clean—they’re lived-in, like an old pair of jeans that still smell faintly of campfire smoke. By the time Fats Kaplin’s steel guitar slides in, you’re already hooked. It’s messy, haunting, and impossible to forget. Then there’s “Springtime Johnny,” the titular track that punches you right in the gut. Chas Williams’ dobro weeps alongside Sharon’s voice, telling a story so vivid you can practically see Johnny himself—a tragic figure caught between love and loss. Aaron Anderson’s drumming gives it just enough backbone without overdoing it, letting the lyrics breathe. When she sings about regret and redemption, it doesn’t feel performative; it feels personal, almost uncomfortably so. If you don’t walk away from this song feeling something, check your pulse. What makes Life And Times stand out is how unapologetically human it is. There’s no auto-tune, no glossy production tricks—just honest musicianship from folks who clearly know their craft inside out. Gord Maxwell’s basslines keep things grounded while George Bradfute pulls triple duty on cello, violin, AND production duties. Hell, even Michael Shellard plays more instruments than most bands combined. And let’s not sleep on Sharon herself—her voice has cracks and imperfections, but that’s what makes her unforgettable. She doesn’t sing at you; she sings to you. Here’s the kicker though: as much as this album nails the Appalachian vibe, it’s also kinda timeless. Sure, it came out in 2011, but these songs could’ve been written fifty years ago—or fifty years from now. That’s the magic of good storytelling wrapped in great music. So if you’re looking for some shiny pop anthem to blast in your car, keep scrolling. But if you want something that digs into your bones and refuses to leave, grab a copy of Life And Times. Just don’t blame me when “Springtime Johnny” keeps you up all night thinking about life choices you thought you’d buried long ago. Final thought? Music like this reminds us why roots music exists—it’s not about trends or charts. It’s about survival, pain, joy, and everything messy in between. Oh, and did I mention the accordion solo in “Give Me A Ring Sometime”? Totally underrated. Go listen.

Download Sharon Anderson - Life And Times featuring Springtime Johnny
Artist: Sharon Anderson
Album: Life And Times featuring Springtime Johnny

Table of Contents

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Filename: sharon-anderson-life-and-times-featuring-springtime-johnny.zip
  • MP3 size: 187.2 mb
  • FLAC size: 852 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
A Love Like That
Forever
The Other Side Of Life
Pony
For A Song
Indian Eyes
Hiway Solution
I Take It Back
Henrietta
Springtime Johnny
Blue
I Got Love
Valley Of Forgiveness
Gethsemene
Buried Treasure
My Jesus
Long Gone Free
Ready To Take That Ride
The Wheel Of Love
Heavenly Love
Give Me A Ring Sometime
Unbelievable Love
Out Of My Heart
Angel

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Labels

Not On Label

Listen online

  • ouvir online
  • ascolta in linea
  • online luisteren
  • lytte på nettet
  • écouter en ligne
  • lyssna på nätet
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • online anhören
  • escuchar en línea

Formats

  • CD
  • Album
  • Compilation

Credits

RoleCredit
Acoustic GuitarMichael Shellard (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
PianoMichael Shellard (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
HarmonicaMichael Shellard (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
VocalsMichael Shellard (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
Harmony VocalsMichael Shellard (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
PercussionMichael Shellard (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
BassGord Maxwell
CelloGeorge Bradfute (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
Electric GuitarGeorge Bradfute (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
MandolinGeorge Bradfute (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
ViolinGeorge Bradfute (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
ProducerGeorge Bradfute (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
DrumsAaron Anderson (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
GuitarChas Williams (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
BanjoChas Williams (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
DobroChas Williams (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
Lead VocalsSharon Anderson
Steel GuitarFats Kaplin (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)
AccordionFats Kaplin (tracks: 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)

Notes

Compilation of tracks previously on 2 albums "The Bottom Line" & "Bringing it home", plus new recordings (tracks 1-8, 10, 14, 20-24)

Barcodes

Barcode: 7 76127 32462 1

About Sharon Anderson

Name Vars

  • Anderson
  • S. Anderson

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: the album *Life And Times* by Sharon Anderson, released in 2011, features a track called "Springtime Johnny" and is deeply rooted in Appalachian music. What’s wild is how multi-talented Michael Shellard is—he plays acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica, percussion, and even handles vocals and harmony vocals on most tracks! It’s like a one-man band situation, but with a team of other incredible musicians, including George Bradfute, who not only produced the album but also played cello, electric guitar, mandolin, and violin. Talk about wearing multiple hats! The whole project feels like a labor of love, blending folk, world, and country vibes with a Canadian twist.