The Old Master Painter
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns · The Three Bells [Bear Family] [1993]
Painted the violets and the daffodills
He put the purple in the twilight haze
Then did a rainbow for the rainy days
Then came his masterpiece and when he was through
He smiled down from heaven and he gave me you
What a beautiful job on that wonderful day
That old master painter from the hills far away.
Dreamed up the murals on the blue summer skies
Painted the devil in my darlin's eyes
Captured the dreamer with a thousand thrills
The old master painter from the faraway hills.
Then came his masterpiece and when he was through
He smiled down from heaven and he gave me you
What a beautiful job on that wonderful day
That old master painter from the hills far away.
Dreamed up the murals on the blue summer skies
painted the devil in my darlin's eyes
Captured the dreamer with a thousand thrills
The old master painter from the faraway hills...
About The Old Master Painter
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns deliver a soulful rendition of "The Old Master Painter" on their 1993 Bear Family release, *The Three Bells*. This track exemplifies the group's signature blend of gospel-infused R&B and Southern soul, characterized by Brown's distinctive vocal delivery and the band's tight, rhythmic instrumentation. The song reflects the era's rich tradition of church-inspired music adapted for secular audiences, focusing on themes of legacy and spiritual guidance through the metaphor of an artist's work. Recorded with the polished production typical of mid-90s soul compilations, the track stands as a testament to the group's ability to reinterpret classic spiritual narratives with contemporary energy. It remains a notable song in their discography, showcasing their commitment to high-quality vocal performances and authentic musical storytelling within the soul genre.