The FBR – Ghost
The group name is from a 1970s Leonard Cohen song (“Famous Blue Raincoat”). It’s the focus of music by the team of Malarie McConaha & Tim Hunter. Their showcase dives into genres as diverse as Southern rock, blues, country & Irish styles. Influences are as wide as renowned artists John Prine, Guy Clark, Janis Joplin, Emmylou Harris & Steve Earle yet, they also mix it up with younger entities such as Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Lukas Nelson & others.
Their 9-haunting flirtations on Ghost (Drops Jan 19–Limestone Music Group/35:00) feature an array of musicians throughout. The lead-off “Before I Drown” has the same crisp authority as the 60s team that was Richard & Mimi Farina. However, with this more modern take there’s an injection of rap that works well in the framework because it “feels” like it belongs & energizes it.
But the moment the resplendent vocal of Malarie starts “Rain On,” she goes into another realm entirely. There’s a little Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde) projection in the piece. Quite a wonderful way to synthesize grace & power. This is an excellent track. It has it all, folk, rock & it’s nuclear-powered like few songs produced today. Strap yourself in folks, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
From that cut to a more Amy Winehouse twist on “Empty Room,” with vocal succulence & a searing guitar solo soaked in the oils of the blues & saturated in a rich musical perfume. Malarie’s range comes from the same arc as the group 1994’s Karen Lawrence (“Once Again” & “Bring It Home”). These women are magnificent stylistic vocalists.
With country accuracy, the team of McConaha & Hunter dive in with a visceral punch from the guidebook of Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood (“Jackson”) & unleash their “Bottle of Blues.” From there it’s full-bore Delaney & Bonnie (“Comin’ Home”) with their “Deadman’s Highway.”
A superb collection, sung by a skillful evocative singer & performed with vigor. I played it 4 times with a Jack Daniels & a Maduro cigar. Malarie McConaha – remember that name.
Highlights – “Before I Drown,” the magnificent “Rain On,” “Empty Room,” “Bottle of Blues,” “Deadman’s Highway,” “Set the Anchors Free,” “Skies of Donegal Blue,” “Independence Day” & the spectacular “Still On the Run.”
Musicians – Malarie McConaha (vocals/lead guitar/keyboards/devil sticks/trumpet/bgv) & Tim Hunter (vocals/acoustic guitar/guitar/devil sticks/harmonica/bgv), Evan Opitz (lead guitar/rhythm electric), Steven Robinson, Garrison Burgess & Mike Malinin (drums), Jim Scott (percussion/bass drum), Chopper Anderson & Chris Fisher (bass), Matt Sepanic (guitars/synth/keys), Alex Berry (guitar/acoustic guitar/rhythm electric), Freeman White (keyboards), Sydney Yeaman & Jim Scott (devil sticks), Zachary Goforth (bgv), Kevin Willis (rhythm electric) & Brandon Mordecai (keys).
Image courtesy of The FBR website. An 8-page stitched color insert is included. CD produced by Matt Sepanic, Tim Hunter & Malarie McConaha with Jim Scott & available @ https://www.fbrmusic.com/product-page/ghost-standard-vinyl