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Roots, country.

This set introduces itself with the retro Farfisa-type organ chords (in an early ‘60s tradition) on a Wild West dice game rocker “Shake ’em Up.” Joe Ely’s well-punctuated alternative country-rock experienced vocals suit this fine. The material isn’t as romantic as Chris Issac, as folky as Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, or melodramatic as many Townes van Zandt tunes. But Ely has made a vibrant signature with his voice. These songs in the hands of a master like Mr. Ely lay claim to this musical territory.

There are 12 sparkling examples of the well-established Grammy-Award-winning Joe Ely magic on this, his 29th album Love and Freedom (Drops Feb 7/Rack ‘Em Records/Thirty Tigers). Recorded at Joe’s home studio in Austin, TX.

The 2nd cut is a Tex-Mex piece about the border troubles in Texas. “Adios Sweet Dreams” where Joe manages to maintain the traditions set down by the late Freddy Fender, Doug Sahm & the others of The Texas Tornados. Here, he’s laid down a superb respectful performance with expertise. The story unfolds like so many previous easy-going border storytelling songs. “Speedy Gonzales” (Pat Boone) & “Come A Little Bit Closer” (Jay & the Americans) come to mind. But most importantly, Joe’s isn’t as pop novelty-oriented. Joe is far more authentic in this genre.

A Guy Clark cover “Magdelene” has a crisply recorded accordion that allows the ballad to shine & take a little of the melancholy edge off. Woody Guthrie’s “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)” features Ryan Bingham’s vocal as well. All of the songs were dug up from Ely’s archives & dealt with poverty, immigration, war, justice, love, freedom & other social issues. A listener wouldn’t have to agree with Joe’s perspective to appreciate the wonderful performances he’s carved out.

The late Townes van Zandt’s classic “Waiting Around To Die” is poignant here with a mournful harmonica that helps to make the tune as haunting as ever. With the true story of “Sgt. Baylock” & narrated in a similar tempo reminiscent of the Johnny Cash song “A Boy Named Sue.” It isn’t too gripping, but it’s entertaining. The desert-dry “Band of Angels” is more like it. With its “Treasure of the Sierra Madre” dust, some Tejanos accordion & gnarly guitar accentuation.

For my ears “Today It Did” is a good country rocker with chiming guitar interplay & a wonderful Ely vocal. Joe’s been plowing these musical fields since 1970 – there’s a reason he’s still standing.

Tracks:
1. Shake 'Em Up (4:49)
2. Adios Sweet Dreams (5:35)
3. Magdalene (3:42)
4. Deportee (5:24) met Ryan Bingham
5. Waiting Around to Die (2:58)
6. Sgt. Baylock (4:52)
7. Today It Did (3:43)
8. Band of Angels (4:40)
9. For Sake of the Song (4:22)
10. Here's to the Brave (4:43)
11. What Kind of War (4:27)
12. No One Wins (3:38)
13. Surrender to the West (3:30)


Staat er compleet op, 10% pars mee gepost. Met zeer veel dank aan de originele poster. Laat af en toe eens weten wat je van het album vindt. Altijd leuk, de mening van anderen. Oh ja, MP3 doe ik niet aan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WH5aMHachY