Cary Morin – Innocent Allies
I wonder how many schoolchildren are taught things like who Charles Russell (1864-1926) was. He was a Missouri-born artist who became famous for painting scenes of the old west, cowboys & particularly the plight of Native Americans. He became an advocate for the Native Americans, especially the landless Chippewa tribe. He wanted them to have a reservation, a place of their own & had it established in Montana by an act of Congress in 1916. He established through legislation the Rocky Boy Reservation.
There’s of course, more to the Russell story & I took an interest in October 2023 when I visited a reservation in Arizona & met many wonderful people I never thought I’d ever meet.
This set doesn’t have much of a commercial tint but it’s closer to authentic folk music than many. Recorded in Fort Collins, CO the Montana-born Native Crow Cary Morin (acoustic, electric & pedal steel guitars/keys) focuses on interpreting the paintings by Russell through his music. From there Cary creates his rich folk music base. Particularly, the painting Indian Hunters Return which is an enduring song. Morin says Russell became a friend to the Plains Tribes & was concerned with preserving their culture, heritage & how they were depicted in such paintings.
The 14-track Innocent Allies (Drops Jan 26–Independent/66:00) features Cary singing a poem written by Charles M. Russell in the superb 7-minute “Old Timers Poem.” Taking a cue from the artwork Cary narrates in a delicate, masterful storytelling manner with his poignant lyrics.
There have been several Native American musicians who contributed to the tapestry of American folk music. This is one of the best since it has a tailored grace, peaceful conjuring, a benevolence that runs through the musical notes of Cary’s fingerstyle picking & warm folky voice.
Not all songs need to be tailor-made for dancing & grooving. Some music should educate & tell tales of other times, people who once loved, lived lives that have faded from pictures. Stories to pass down. You may not have pages faded brown to smell or sepia pictures to look at. But there will be songs. Cary’s voice isn’t gritty, but it’s in the tradition of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Guy Clark & Townes van Zandt.
“Killing the Blues,” is exceptional with a haunting harmonica & piano note(s) that drips like an old water pump out in the yard. The tunes are all prairie expansive & rural distinctive. Put some dry wood in the fireplace & start a good fire. Then, listen to Innocent Allies.
Highlights – “Old Timers Poem,” “Good Medicine,” “Killing the Blues,” “Indian Hunters Return,” “Whiskey Before Breakfast,” “Big Nose Georges Outlaw Blues,” “Wally & Keeoma” & “Montana Sky.”
Musicians – John Magnie (piano), Eric Adcock (piano/organ), Nic Clark (harmonica), AJ Fullerton (slide guitar), Celeste Di Iorio (vocals), Luke Hunter (bass), Gram Rea (fiddle), Jordan Pasquin (drums) & Louis Mac (drums/percussion).
Photo courtesy of Grayson Reed. CD @ https://www.carymorin.com/ & https://carymorinblues.bandcamp.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Key to the Highway: Cary Morin
