Yarn – Born, Blessed, Grateful & Alive
This is the first studio album in 8 years for the four-time Grammy nominee band from North Carolina. Their menu is primarily roots rock & features some guest musicians from accomplished bands such as Railroad Earth & the Infamous Stringdusters (not too shabby).
There are 12 well-connected threads woven into Born, Blessed, Grateful & Alive (Drops July 26/Symphonic Distribution/47:00) produced by Damian Calcagne & Blake Christiana. The songs were recorded at The Pinebox in Boonton Township, NJ. Not the root of country music. The tunes do, however, explore a range of human experiences through some country-flavored melodies, a road song seeped in the solitude & loneliness that comes with moving from one place to another. Soulful & gospel detours & some reliable twangy sounds will poke their head in at times.
The vocals (Blake Christiana) are consistently dependable especially on “Something’s Gotta Change,” anchored by a more contemporary Roger Miller-type tone (“River In the Rain”) than the novelty singer’s hits. Strong tight performances are laid out by the varied musicians who dig deep with pieces like “Heart So Hard” & “Down at the Dancehall” – that cruise through territories traveled by the Pure Prairie League, Marshall Tucker Band & Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Good tempo, driving but not aggressive. Tastefully done.
The music is rootsy genuine, but from New Jersey? That’s impressive. There’s lots to recommend — but don’t expect any big surprises. The songs are all standard, basic, by-the-book songs — performed with heart & soul. The musicians aren’t trying to impress with their showcase since their diversity & ability to entertain with sensitive words & musical confidence radiates. The true test is holding one’s attention in a ballad – “I Want You” & “Grieve On” both deliver.
Tripping into a hearty Gram Parson’s type showcase is “Traveling Kind,” & this is where Yarn excels. The country potency, back & forth between the steel guitar & piano — a nice touch. Sounds like a tune the band could jam on for half an hour.
The countrified approach is at times mindful of Blue Rodeo, Rubber Rodeo with Trish Milliken & bands like the BoDeans. These artists know when to add country fuel & when to keep the rock n’ roll octane soaking slowly. Yarn has this recipe & they can cook.
Highlights – “Turn Off the News,” “Something’s Gotta Change,” “Heart So Hard,” “Traveling Kind,” “I Want You,” “Wake Up,” the excellent “Maybe Someday,” “These Words Alone,” “Down at the Dancehall” & “Grieve On.”
Musicians – Blake Christiana, Robert Bonhomme, Rick Bugel, Damian Calcagne, Johnny Grubb, Heather Hannah, Mike Robinson, Elliott Peck, Andy Falco & Mike Sivilli.
Color image courtesy of YARN. CD @ Amazon & https://yarnmusic.net/pages/yarn-born-blessed-grateful-alive
Song premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2024/04/23/video-premiere-yarn-turn-off-the-news/
