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7/20/2024 Bonny Light Horseman (from the album Keep Me on Your Mind/See You FreeBonny Light Horseman (from the album Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free on Jagjaguwar) (by Lee Zimmerman)
Bonny Light Horseman, an outfit consisting of Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson, and Josh Kaufman, as well as drummer JT Bates and bassist Cameron Ralston, often seem to defy description. Their music blends elements of Gothic-like nuance, a Folkish noir, and a sense of mystery and mystique that occasionally keep it at arm’s length, but at other times, intimate and intriguing as well. Many of the songs take on a haunting, and occasionally harrowing, sound and circumstance, but with a remarkable 20 tracks in all, the overall effect is quietly compelling. The new album shares a distinctive aural ambiance that’s fully and completely captivating, even in its more tender moments. Mitchell’s softly seductive vocals dominate the proceedings, giving songs such as “Keep Me on Your Mind”, “Lover Take It Easy”, “The Clover”, and “Singing to the Mandolin” a gentle yet beguiling quality that wafts and glides throughout the entire album. The shared harmonies from Johnson and Kaufman add to the allure, making several of these passages akin to lullabies of sorts, both soothing and satisfying. Happily, though, there’s an occasional uptick in energy, as when “Old Dutch” quietly builds to its ultimate crescendo, or “Hare and Hound” takes on a hint of twang, tempo, and the semblance of a backwoods hoedown. Likewise, “Tumblin’ Down” moves along at a steady stride, making it one of the album’s most immediately engaging entries. Despite the spare settings, the melodies are lovely, descriptive, and seemingly iridescent. Even songs such as “Don’t Know Why You Move Me”, a love-struck ballad filled with reflection and romance, and the memories spun through “When I Was Younger” manage to find context and connection. So too, “Speak to Me Muse” come across with a Gospel-like fervor that gives the track both clarity and conviction. Taken in tandem, Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free adds to the impression that Bonny Light Horseman are, in fact, one of the more essential outfits operating within the current acoustic parameters. When, on the song “I Wanna Be Where You Are”, they close with a chorus echoing the title, that entreaty rates a warm welcome. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of Bonny Light Horseman from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Bonny Light Horseman website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/20/2024 Paul Kelly (from the mix-tape compilations People - Poetry - Time – Drinking - Rivers and RainPaul Kelly (from the mix-tape compilations People - Poetry - Time – Drinking - Rivers and Rain on Grand Aggie/Universal Australia) (by Lee Zimmerman)
One would be hard pressed to find another artist as prolific, and profound, as the man that ranks as Australia’s most accomplished singer and songwriter, Paul Kelly. His efforts are shared and summed up in the various career compilations that reflect his preternatural prowess. The massive box set The A to Z Recordings would, true to its title, have seemed to cover it all, making any sort of greatest hits that followed merely seem redundant. Not that there was any need for further volumes; anyone who acquired any of Kelly’s recordings beginning in the early ‘80s would likely have aimed to become a completist straight from the initial get-go. After Paul Kelly launched his career with his first backing band, The Dots, he released subsequent albums efforts at the helm of the The Coloured Girls and The Messengers. Eventually though, Kelly carved out a career under his own aegis, and since then, he’s been consistently prolific, as evidenced by an ongoing series of studio albums, collaborations with other artists, live releases, and various compendiums. Still, there’s much more left to be uncovered, as these five new themed mix-tapes make pointedly prescient. The titles -- People, Poetry, Time, Drinking, and Rivers and Rain — don’t necessarily define their reflective themes decisively, although one might reckon that Kelly clearly had a specific idea in mind when it came to categorizing each of these offerings. Yet with some 76 songs between them, most of the tracks defy any specific description and simply stand out on their individual merits. The exception is the disc titled Poetry, with its specific subtitle Other People’s Words. It’s mostly made up of songs Kelly adapted from literally sources, including Shakespeare’s sonnets. While on first glance, the five mix-tapes might appear to be just another attempt at compiling a (sort-of) greatest hits — especially since Kelly classics “When I First Met Your Ma”, “Before Too Long”, “Deeper Water”, “How to Make Gravy”, and “From Little Things Big Things Grow” are all included. Nevertheless, the familiar fare is mostly confined to the portion dubbed Time, leaving plenty of room for a handful of unreleased tracks, various deep cuts and several live recordings. Ultimately then, the completist is left with little to complain about, while those who are new to the fold are given an ample supply of choice material to initiate Kelly completion. Indeed, there’s no need to quibble with this particular choice of selections, because, in reality, practically everything Kelly has ever released makes for an exceptional effort, an adroit combination of passion, pathos and sheer compelling conviction. If all five albums demand immediate acquisition based on reputation alone, suffice it to say the need is genuinely justified. (by Lee Zimmerman) Paul Kelly will be supporting Keb' Mo' and Shawn Colvin on tour from September 14 through October 6, 2024 Listen and buy the music of Paul Kelly from AMAZON For more info, check out the Paul Kelly website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/20/2024 Melissa Carper (from the album Borned in YaMelissa Carper (from the album Borned in Ya available on Mae Music/Thirty Tigers) (by Brian Rock)
Melissa Carper continues to blur the lines between Country and Jazz as well as between past and present on her latest solo album, Borned in Ya. The captivating chanteuse who has been dubbed, ‘Hillbillie Holiday’ by Chris Scruggs finds herself channeling more of her Billie Holiday side, and less of her hillbilly side, on this release. Blending the Jazz stylings of The Great American Songbook from the 20s through the 50s, Carper pays tribute to legends from Nat King Cole to Dinah Shore, from Gene Autry to Elvis Presley. Though influenced by legends, all but two of the songs are original compositions by Melissa Carper. And, of course, her distinctive, iconic voice indelibly stamps each song with her unique sonic signet. Equal parts Cracker Barrel and Ritz-Carlton, Carper has the amazing ability to simultaneously convey an ambiance of rustic, hand carved wood and elegant, polished marble. The title song captures the feel of Elvis’ From Elvis in Memphis album. Recreating the Soul/Country fusion of that seminal album, Carper adds a dash of Gospel to testify to the power of music. Melissa Carper was inspired by Ralph Stanley’s quote about old time mountain music: ‘I don’t think you can get this sound unless it’s borned in ya’. But departing from Stanley’s strict hereditary definition of authentic musical ability, Carper sees musical authenticity as being born from the seeds of continuously listening to, and playing the songs of, those who came before. Accompanied by piano and Gospel background singers, Carper sings ‘you gotta listen to Hank Williams ‘til it’s borned in ya. You gotta listen to Leadbelly till it’s borned in ya’. Memphis horns and guitars add punch and power to Carper’s hymn to the heroes of our American musical past. Melissa Carper reveals her playful side on the 1920’s Jazz stylings of “Your Furniture’s Too Nice”. Whistling her way through a superbly syncopated Jazz melody, she sings ‘it’s too new, it’s too stiff. There ain’t nothing good to sniff. Your furniture’s too nice for me and my doggy’. “Let’s Get Outta Here” recalls Dinah Shore’s romantic standards, with an added touch of Hawaiian slide guitar. “Lucky Five” has the easy-going charm of a swinging Dean Martin lounge song. “Evil Eva” captures the early Rock/Blues fusion of Fats Domino as Melissa Carper pays homage to her Country roots in the Gene Autry inspired “Somewhere Between Texas and Tennessee”. Turning to ballads, Melissa Carper turns on the tears on the Billie Holiday inspired “I Don’t Love you Anymore”. She adds her distinctive touch to Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye” and Frankie Laine’s chestnut, “That’s My Desire”. “Waxing and Waning” captures the feel of a somber Doris Day. Adding a lush orchestral backdrop, Carper shines on the beautiful, Nat King Cole inspired “There’ll Be Another One”. Simultaneously offering words of comfort and acknowledging the emptiness of those words, Carper brilliantly captures that moment between heartache and hope. The gossamer string section has the emotional resonance of those tear-jerking scores from Hollywood’s golden age. Delicate, yet powerful, playful, yet somber, elegant, yet earthy; Melissa Carper is a one-of-a-kind vocal talent. Every note she sings is a delicacy to be savored. (by Brian Rock) Listen and buy the music of Melissa Carper from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Melissa Carper website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/20/2024 Sadler Vaden (from the album Dad RockSadler Vaden (from the album Dad Rock available on Dirty Mag Records/Thirty Tigers) (by Lee Zimmerman)
A noted utility player, former member of Drivin’ N Cryin’ and current guitarist with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Sadler Vaden can also claims the makings of a successful solo career. His second individual outing, Anybody Out There?, earned him an array of critical kudos, courtesy of an incisive yet universal rock-steady sound. With Dad Rock, Vaden’s likely to build on his reliable reputation, courtesy of eight songs that express his new-found feelings about becoming a dad and sharing the responsibilities that come with that particular station in life. It’s a taut series of memorable melodies, all of which revolve around the theme of fatherhood while also sharing a sense of universal appeal. Recorded with a cast of notable fellow travelers — Benmont Tench, Elliot Easton, Julian Dorio (The Whigs), Eagles of Death Metal, Art Edmaiston (JJ Grey & MoFro) — the album begins with “Townsend’s Theme”, a soothing instrumental that evolves out of what appears to be the random voices of his youngsters before segueing into a soothing instrumental, which, in turn, morphs into sprawling, Pink Floyd-esque environs. A mix of older material and the newer tracks written specifically for his two sons, Dad Rock clearly puts as much emphasis on the latter as it does the former, and with the tough, taut “Dove”, “Staying Alive”, “Holes”, and “The Rescuer”, it finds Sadler Vaden and his fellow dads shifting into some seismic Rock-steady revelry. Riveting and robust, each song boasts a series of impactful hooks, riveting refrains and an energetic intent that grabs its listeners and compels them to follow every note and nuance. That said, the quiet, contemplative “The New You” offers some respite, while a soothing soliloquy, “I’ll Always Come Back”, offers added meaning, given that it takes its title from the words Sadler Vaden tells his sons when he leaves to go out on tour. So too, the album’s final track, “Two Balloons”, offers a reverent tribute to his late parents. (‘two balloons went up to the sky…’) All in all, Dad Rock provides an ideal blend of riveting rock and roll and touching tenderness. It’s the kind of music generations can bond over and share their common cause. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of Sadler Vaden from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Sadler Vaden website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/20/2024 Rose Hotel (from the album A Pawn SurrenderRose Hotel (from the album A Pawn Surrender on New West Records) (by Bryant Liggett)
Jordan Reynolds has created a great mix of sounds. Recording under the band name Rose Hotel, Reynolds has crafted a catchy, audio concoction, in which the latest in A Pawn Surrender is part Indie Pop and Indie Rock with psychedelic meanderings that seem to curiously wander all over the place, including into the wonderful world of Avant-lounge and cocktail Pop. It’s glorious. There’s a new wave vibe to the opener in “Fall in Love Again and Again” where Rose Hotel provide vocals that echo like they are in a silo, a great technical addition. “Fruit Tree” follows with an exploratory vibe into lounge territory, and “Drown” is driven by trippy guitar. There’s a 1990’s vibe to “Not Like That”, “King and a Pawn” has a sweet percussive pulse. and “Pushing Me” continues with more of the dreamy and more of the mellow. Electro-Folk is explored in “On Your Side” and Rose Hotel digs into modern Indie Rock in the closer “Illusion Anyway”. It is a cut that explores Pop via the melody and tripped out twang via the pedal steel guitar that rears an ambient head throughout the cut. A Pawn Surrender is an album that explores the past and present; a touch of old-school New Wave here, Indie Roots, and an air of Indie-Psychedeliia there; all are part of a sound that lets us know Rose Hotel has done its homework as the sounds course through the entire musical package. (by Bryant Liggett) Listen and buy the music of Rose Hotel from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Rose Hotel website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/20/2024 Marques Morel (from the album Tales and TellingsMarques Morel (from the album Tales and Tellings available on Edgewater Music Group) (by Danny McCloskey)
More than a troubadour, Marques Morel uses the stage as a DIY podium promoting guides for life. Borrowing an Eric Burden-descriptor when he meets a ‘long-haired leaping gnome’ Marques Morel opens Tales and Tellings, his latest release, on a tangle on guitar notes leading into “Crazy Out There”, his words issuing a warning against political voices (’deceitful kings’) and minute-by-minute marketing clickbait (‘don’t let your spirit get stolen by them thieves’). A slow trudge comfortably wraps around the goodbye and family history of “Strong Love” as Tales and Tellings introduces “Gas Station Girls” on a caffeinated groove and makes use of a string band to deliver “Back at the Cabin”. Recorded in Nashville at Bomb Shelter Studios, the process was unique for Marques Morel who shared that Tales and Tellings ’is an album that was a long time coming. Some of these songs I’ve been performing for many years, but I never found a home for them on a record. This is that record, the one where most of my prodigal sons have come together to live under one roof. This was my first time ever working with a producer, and I must say that Andrija Tokic (Tales and Tellings producer) far exceeded the faith I had in him during pre-production. He is an absolute wizard in the studio. We recorded the entirety of the album in three days, recording everything live with very minimal overdubs. I believe that’s what gives it such a loose and groovy feel’. “Lone Rooster Blues” crows a sad tale as a winding guitar line traces white lines across “Drive All Night” while Marques Morel speaks/sings a campfire tale for “Cactus Blues” and turns a waltz to spin the story in “Litter of 3”. (by Danny McCloskey) Listen and buy the music of Marques Morel from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Marques Morel website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/13/2024 Johnny Cash (from the album SongwriterJohnny Cash (from the album Songwriter on UMG Recordings) (by Lee Zimmerman)
The succinctly dubbed Songwriter began life as an unreleased album Johnny Cash recorded in 1993, a decade before his passing and prior to the albums he recorded with Rick Rubin in hopes of courting a contemporary audience. Overseen by his son John Carter Cash, the songs were stripped down to Cash’s hearty, husky vocals and then given fresh new arrangements courtesy of an outstanding ensemble of new musical recruits — among them, Dan Auerbach (on the track titled “Spotlight”), Marty Stuart, the late bassist Dave Roe, drummer Pete Abbott, bassist and guitarist Russ Pahl, Mike Rojas on keys, Harry Stinson on backing vocals, and various others as well. The result is a set of songs that are both reflective, engaging, and mostly sung from a personal perspective. Opening track “Hello Out There” has a shine and shimmer that effectively enhances the prescient nature of the song: ‘in this final fight for life and peace, we’re failing failing failing failing failing’. The most affecting track of all, “I Love You Tonight”, is, in effect, a love song to wife June Carter Cash, one which recounts a life well spent together. ‘And when it’s all over, I hope we will go together’ Cash sings, offering a bittersweet send-off that nearly came true when June passed mere months before her husband did. “Have You Ever Been to Little Rock” offers another autobiographical narrative, one that finds him offering an homage to the state where he was born and raised. So too, “Poor Valley Girl” recounts June’s own homespun origins and his gratitude to God for bringing her to him. The tone varies throughout. “Drive On”, sung from the perspective of a Vietnam vet who’s unfazed by his war wounds due to the ongoing devotion of his wife and family, finds Cash singing in the matter-of-fact vibrato that characterizes so many of his songs. “She Sings Sweet Baby James” shares poignancy and pathos, a sad song about a lonely single mom whose child has to be raised by her mother due to constant work responsibilities. “Sing It Peggy Sue” finds Johhny Cash offering advice to an unnamed artist who turned him loose to pursue fame and fortune. It’s given in the guise of a fan letter of sorts, but his disappointment is clearly palatable. Three songs specifically make mention of soldiers — the aforementioned “Drive On”, “Like a Soldier”, and “Soldier Boy”. Nevertheless, the themes are grounded in Cash’s own thoughts nada feelings, bringing them to full fruition. Whether or not, Songwriter gains a storied stature remains to be seen, but one thing is certain. It does do the artist justice. And in Johnny Cash’s case, that certainly says a lot. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of Johnny Cash from AMAZON Please visit the Johnny Cash website for more information The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/13/2024 Oliver Wood (from the album fat Cat SilhouetteOliver Wood (from the album fat Cat Silhouette available on Honey Jar Records/Indirecto Records) (by Bryant Liggett)
You won’t pigeonhole Oliver Wood. Since Americana these days doesn’t have a solid descriptor because of its inclusivity (like Blues, Folk, Roots Rock) its citizens fall under the catch-all genre, the same can be said for Woods sophomore effort in Fat Cat Silhouette. With touches of the aforementioned of Blues, Folk, Roots Rock, Oliver Wood has created a laid-back, slacker Folk release that’s quite wonderful; it’s a record with a front porch listening vibe. The album opener, “Light and Sweet”, has a lounge-like, island vibe, rolling into an acoustically funky “Whom I Adore”. The Funk comes from what could be a street parade, along with punchy saxophone from Steve Berlin. “Little Worries” is quiet, Bluesy Folk, “Yo I Surrender” has a fun, percussive beat that’s inspiring simple head-bobbing, and “Somebody Blues” is a lonely, late-night listening weeper; it’s a heartbreaker. Katie Pruitt joins Wood on “Have You No Shame”, another sad Folkie that, with Pruitt’s contribution, falls into Roots Gospel territory while “Fortune Drives the Bus” is a quiet closer, the guitar barely plucked and Wood’s vocals delivered in a hush. There’s a subtle goodness to this record. It’s quiet and subdued, the kind of record whose greatness takes a little time to find. But you’ll find it quick, and this will be a record you continue to come back to when you need music in quiet moments. (by Bryant Liggett) Listen and buy the music of Oliver Wood from AMAZON Please visit the Oliver Wood website for more information The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/13/2024 Blitzen Trapper (from the album 100’s pf 1000’s, Millions of BillionsBlitzen Trapper (from the album 100’s pf 1000’s, Millions of Billions available on Magnolia Music/Yep Roc Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
Those who don’t know otherwise might be led to believe that the name Blitzen Trapper, as odd as it is, refers not to a band, but perhaps to a type of secret weapon invented by the German SS in the final desperate throes of World War II. However, that’s not the case, and thankfully so. Those that have followed Blitzen Trapper’s trajectory for the past 24 years or so know full well that they are, in fact, a superb Indie ensemble whose ambitious blend of Roots Rock, Folk Rock, and abject experimentation have made them one of the most prominent and prolific outfits within the entire spectrum of today’s Modern Rock realms. These days, founding members Eric Earley (vocals, guitars) and Brian Adrian Koch (drums) remain the sole holdovers from the band’s original incarnation, with Michael Elson added on keys, Anna Tivel offering violin/backing vocals and Eric D. Johnson making a cameo contribution on banjo. Happily, too, the band still manages to create a cohesive sound, one that’s both sensuous and cerebral in equal measure. It’s haunting to a fault, whether measured by the affable approach of “Ain’t Got Time to Fight”, the shimmering luster of “Dead God of the Green Horizon”, and “Hesher in the Rain”, the cosmic sheen applied so tastefully to “Cheap Fantastical Takedown” or the sheer jubilance and joy brought forth in “Long Game” and “Planetarium”. In fact, every song offers an example of both craft and creativity. To their credit, 100’s of 1000’s, Millions of Billions, its sprawling title aside, also remains a wholly accessible effort, one which finds the emphasis placed on melody, even in the midst of any added accoutrements. It’s enticing to a fault, and if repeated listens are required to fully digest every note and nuance, the time invested is well worth the effort. Ultimately, 100’s of 1000’s, Millions of Billions is beautiful and beguiling beyond measure. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of Blitzen Trapper from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Blitzen Trapper website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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7/13/2024 Jim Lauderdale (from the album My Favorite PlaceJim Lauderdale (from the album My Favorite Place available on Sky Crunch Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
Jim Lauderdale is easily one of the most prolific, and proficient, artists operating in contemporary Country realms today. Once known for releasing multiple albums simultaneously, and boosting his output to numerous releases with any given year, he’s accumulated an exceptional catalog while still managing to keep the quality consistent. Jim Lauderdale’s latest, the cheerily dubbed My Favorite Place, reflects his generally genial perspective. It’s best expressed courtesy of the perky piano that characterizes “Sweethearts Remember”, a decidedly up-tempo tune that seems likely to become a staple of his sets. So too, the upbeat rocker “Don’t Treat ‘Em That Way” follows suit, offering a lesson in how to offer courtesy and respect, qualities sadly lacking at a time when distancing and discontent seem the way of the world. The smooth sashay of the title track and the heartfelt narrative shared in the song “The Lightning Tree” further affirm Lauderdale’s personable approach. That’s not to say he occasionally shares a downcast disposition. “Baby Steps”, “I’m a Lucky Loser”, and “You’ll Be Gone by Then” are fundamental tears-in-the beer ballads, each a reflection of Lauderdale’s reverence for classic country precepts. That said, Lauderdale’s devotion to that indelible imprint doesn’t negate the personal approach that’s endeared him to his fans and followers. His easy-going demeanor clearly shines through with the promising premise offered on both “We Ought to Celebrate” and “You’ve Got a Shine”. So too, when he ends the album with the overtly affirmative “What’s Important After All”, he offers a lesson worth learning in a most personal and pleasing manner. Ultimately, Jim Lauderdale’s carefree caress not only engages him with his listeners but bonds them to him as well. Clearly then, his favorite place offers a welcome respite for all. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of The Flatlanders from AMAZON Please visit the Jim Lauderdale website for more information The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
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