Murry Hammond Trail Songs of the Deep
Murry Hammond, the co-founder of the alt-country outfit Old 97’s, releases his sophomore solo effort, Trail Songs of the Deep. His debut solo album, I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way, was released in 2008. So, although it’s been a while, the new album was worth the wait.
Produced by Hammond and Todd Burke, who also handled mixing and mastering, Trail Songs of the Deep features Murry Hammond (vocals, guitar, bass, whistling, piano, mellotron), Annie Crawford (piano, mellotron, harmonium), Richard Hewett (drums, tambourine), Faith Shippey (bowed upright bass).
Talking about his music, Hammond says, “It’s a bit like a windy old house attic. All disheveled, spooky, sometimes too blue – but also punctuated with warmth and light.”
Highlighted by Hammond’s wistful voice, his finessed whistling, the haunting frisson of Shippey’s bowed upright bass, and Crawford’s evocative piano, Trail Songs of the Deep drifts and glides on soft, subtle melodies.
Entry points include “Take This Heart And Lock It Up,” a track dripping with the unresolved pain of a broken heart. Hammond’s whistling infuses the tune with a feeling of intense loneliness residing in the emotional emptiness of an abyss.
A personal favorite because of its undulating, swaying flow, a sway accented by chiming tones, “Drying Tear” reveals the melancholic aspects of life, the inevitable disappointment of expectations. In the end, everything comes to naught.
“I was wondering / Will I be just a drying tear? / Will I be just a / Will I be just a sad, sad old dear?”
“Lone American Highway” opens on a low-slung, strumming guitar and then flows into a gently rolling rhythm topped by sinuous, elegant surfaces. When Hammond’s voice takes on crying tones, the sensation of poignancy is crushing.
Another favorite because of its darker moodiness, “You’re Gone Again” ties the album off with dreamy, plaintive tones. There’s a luscious, orchestral motion to the melody.
Suffused with a gorgeous aura of sadness, Trail Songs of the Deep delivers an effortless, easy feeling of unforgettable mood and momentum.
Discover more about Murry Hammond: https://murryhammond.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Old 97s New Album “Twelfth” Emphasizes Enjoying the Moment With Nostalgic Tones
