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Joel Harrison: Angel Band: Free Country Vol. 3
ByHarrison takes an amalgamation of folk, country, bluegrass and even gospel, making it into what can best be described as "Jazz Americana." By the time the album-opening "America the Beautiful" reaches its halfway point, it has become obvious that Harrison and company have availed themselves of these genres without losing sight of jazz's improvisational nature. His exceptional skill as a composer is felt throughout, taking everything old and making it new again, whether he's flipping old songs like Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" on its head or putting his own stamp on a traditional gospel tune such as "We Shall Rise." Even the classic bluegrass picker, "Lost Indian," gets a funky, anxious treatment as the album's penultimate song.
While it's hard to listen to Angel Band: Free Country Volume 3 and say that one song stands out more than the rest, something should be said for Harrison's choice of using the famous "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain" as the album-closer. Narrowing Harrison's band to a quartetjust his guitar, alongside organ, bass and drumsit is the most staggeringly melancholic interpretation that this much-covered ballad has seen yet. Wisely eschewing familiar vocals, he pours tenderness into a misty-eyed instrumental rendition of a classic country tune that leaves a sense of grief and regret that abides long after his guitar fades away.
Angel Band: Free Country Volume 3 may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure goes down easier than might be expected.
Track Listing
America the Beautiful; Jerusalem Ridge; Ring of Fire; 900 Miles; We Shall Rise; Angel Band; My Epitaph; Osage Stomp; Wichita Lineman; Go Rest High on That Mountain; Lost Indian; Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain.
Personnel
Joel Harrison
guitar, electricJoel Harrison: guitar (1-3, 5-6, 8-12), Dobro (4), 6 string banjo (5), National Steel Guitar (7), background voice (6), lead vocal (10); David Binney: alto saxophone (1-3, 5-6, 8-9, 11); Jon Cowherd: piano (2, 5-6, 10) Hammond B-3 (7, 10, 12), Wurlitzer (3); Uri Caine: piano (1, 8-9), Fender Rhodes (11); Chris Tordini: bass (1-3, 5-7, 10, 12); Stephan Crump: bass (4, 8-9, 11); Brian Blade: drums (1-3, 5-7, 10, 12), background vox (6); Allison Miller: drums (4, 8-9, 11); Darol Anger: violin (2, 5); Christian Howes: violin (4, 8, 11); Hank Roberts: cello (1, 10); Nels Cline: guitar (6); Alecia Chakour: voice (4, 7), background vox (6); Everett Bradley: voice (5), lead vocal (10); Theo Bleckmann: lead vocal (6); Nicki Logan: background vox (10); Nathan Koci: accordion (4); John Hadfield: frame drum (4); David Mansfield: pedal steel guitar (10).
Album information
Title: Angel Band: Free Country Vol. 3 | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: HighNote Records
Comments
About Joel Harrison
Instrument: Guitar, electric
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