Buddy Miller is an alt-country deity. For his latest “solo” outing, Miller puts together classic country songs (and originals) and works them out with a core of guitarists — Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot, Greg Leisz — that make an all-star team no matter what the league. Throw in master drummer Jay Bellerose and bassist Dennis Crouch and then a guest-list that includes Ann McCrary, Patty Griffin, Lee Ann Womack, Chocolate Genius, Shawn Colvin and Emmylou Harris and you’re looking at enough talent to staff a dozen albums. No one rests on his or her laurels here either. These are not straight interpretations, but re-imaginings that allow the songs new terrain. Chocolate Genius finds a night-funk to Roger Miller’s “Dang Me,” Miller slows down Eddy Arnold’s “Cattle Call” until it’s more like a dream. Emmylou Harris is her usual angelic self on “Why I’m Walkin’.” Buddy and Julie bring together the emotively direct “God’s Wing’ed Horse.” The “Deluxe Edition” includes a live video of “Why Baby Why” and a documentary on the ‘Making” of the album, which considering the line-up is worth seeing in action.
More By Buddy Miller
- 2012
- Buddy & Julie Miller
- Buddy Miller
- Jim Lauderdale
- Robbie Fulks
- Rodney Crowell
- Colvin & Earle