John Carter Cash – Pineapple John
First the formalities, John Carter Cash is the son of legendary singer-songwriters Johnny Cash & June Carter. That’s where the comparison ends. Big shoes to fill but you know what? John Carter Cash has slipped his toes into those musical shoes & this music allows him to feel that special warmth around his feet. He carries the Cash-Carter name with respect. And he does it without trying to duplicate what his parents did. He’s paved his own distinguished pathway remarkably well.
This album’s 15 thematic tracks were produced by Mr. Cash & Trey Call for Pineapple John (Dropped October 10/Avondale Records). A collection that draws on self-discovery, redemption, love, loss & struggles by a lost troubadour on his spiritual journey. The inspiration originated from Cash’s childhood where he spent time at the family home in Jamaica. Several guest musicians appear throughout the showcase, including Marty Stuart (guitar).
The set is sweetened by a melodic Jamaican vibe. Not so much reggae as calypso-oriented. More Jimmy Buffet & Harry Belafonte than say, the Beach Boys, & Bob Marley. Songs were a collaborative effort with some originals; co-writes & covers that fit tightly into the album’s creative concept. There’s humor mixed with intensity like the narrative “Nekid Man (Pineapple John Prelude).” But it becomes more compelling as it leads into the upbeat “Pineapple John.” It tugs at the ear as the Van Dyke Parks melody of “Clang of the Yankee Reaper” did many years ago.
Some hard noses will suggest a bit of cultural appropriation. Nah. Not so. Many songs are originals with ingredients absorbed & interpreted. The music comes from a child who grew up surrounded by the culture, the environment, & the music. Influence is like a scent anyone could breathe, a food anyone could eat, beauty anyone could appreciate. Elvis Presley was accused of the same. But those naysayers never looked at Elvis’ Mississippi childhood. The people & places he knew, the churches he sang in, the Gospel & blues he listened to when young. B.B. King said — once it’s out there it’s out there for everyone. Grammy Award winning John Carter Cash is out there — for everyone.
This is ambitious. Not entirely country but a blend of country, folk & traditional calypso. Like making a tropical drink with all those rums. Sax legend Charlie Parker leaned over a jukebox once & played some country tunes. A fellow jazz musician asked why? Parker said, “listen to the stories man, listen to those stories.” Yes. Like the ones Mr. Cash shares with us here.
Highlights – “Pineapple John,” “Uncle Ben the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea,” “The Ballad of Spider John,” “Shame & Scandal,” “Snow On the Sand,” & “Beckoning Melody.”
Musicians – Clare Bowen, Brandon Young (bgv), A.B. Cash & Thomas Gabriel (vocals).
Color image courtesy of John’s website photo gallery. CD @ Apple + Amazon & https://johncartercash.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: John Carter Cash featuring Norman Blake & Others – “Pilgrimage To a Rising Fawn”
