“Modern Hymns” hits stores shelves today, Aug. 19.

I’ve got to admit something. I haven’t really paid much attention to Darrell Scott. You’ve got to understand, I was familiar with some of his songs from the many artists who have recorded his music. However, I’m here to confess the fact I have never paid much attention to Mr. Scott.

I will also come clean. This will change from here on out. Darrell Scott and his music is a real treasure. His new CD, Modern Hymns is haunting, melodic and striking.

Modern Hymns is more than a disc of tunes, its an experience. To begin with, his choice of songs is quite unique, especially for a musician whose known for his songwriting. They are all cover tunes. So many times, an artist, or his management or label coerces the performer into recording an old tune to fill a disc and hopefully generate more sales.

Darrell Scott chose songs by Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Hoyt Axton, Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen. A song I always enjoyed and hadn’t heard for years was “Jesus was a Capricorn” by Kris Kristofferson. There is an incredible version of John Hartfords, “Nobody Eats at Linebaughs Anymore.” How can you top a disc off better than that? How about a Bob Dylan song and Guy Clark tune?

Scott did not record any of his own great songs, but instead recorded songs that have meant something in his life. This is evidenced in the emotion he puts in each track recorded on this outing. What a wonderful and rich voice Darrell Scott has showcased on Modern Hymns.

The other point that indicates his emotional ties to these songs are the incredible liner notes for Modern Hymns. These were not liner notes that were written on the fly. You can tell a great deal of thought and memories contributed to what is presented in the text. Very touching notes, especially his memories of John Hartford and a joke he told Scott years ago. There is nothing but the utmost admiration for his heroes and their songs on here.

This will change from here on out. Darrell Scott’s new CD, Modern Hymns is haunting, melodic and striking.

As a boy, when I got an album, it was an experience. I loved to lie on my bed, with the speakers positioned on each side blaring the music and holding the cover in my hands. I would perform that ritual many times into adulthood. Reading the liner notes for Modern Hymns hearkened back to those days because it is so rich with information and accolades.

At this point, I will make note of something else. I might be starting trouble here. Many times artists lose sight of other performers music. It is so refreshing when a musician comes along who has the knowledge of others… not necessarily their hits, but some of their premium-crafted tunes that may have had no commercial success.

I have a feeling that in Nashville, there is a town full of artists who respect Scott. This is evidenced by the appearances of Tim OBrien, Alison Krauss, Stuart Duncan, Dirk Powell, John Cowan, Sam Bush, and Del and Ronnie McCoury.

Another of my cult favorites who appears on a couple tracks here is Danny Flowers. The reason I mention this is because at times Darrell Scott, at least on this disc, is reminiscent of Flowers.

It is important to not leave out the instrumentation on this disc. There is some wonderful violin as well as fiddle parts on here. What is the difference is hard to determine, so they make note of each one on various songs. All the players on this CD are phenomenally talented and showcase it quite well here.

Many times while listening to this disc I think about what a great CD this would be late of a night. But then again I recommend this Modern Hymns anytime, day or night.

Modern Hymns will be released today August 19, 2008.