Marley’s Ghost – Honky Tonk
This pristinely recorded album is a bit retro sounding but in a sophisticated, sincere way. The instrumentation is captured with clarity & the various vocals are impressive. The lead-off track is Roger Miller’s “Invitation to the Blues,” originally sung by Ray Price. Despite its age, it doesn’t sound dated but fresh & contemporary. It had a ‘40’s style arrangement but cut #2 “Honky Tonk Song” has a ‘50’s drive & enthusiastic vocal, albeit with a Swing era/Big Band flair. The final cut, “Birmingham Bounce,” is tight & swings. These little contrasting musical indulgences all work in the hands of Marley’s Ghost, which lifted off in 1986 & will celebrate its 40th Anniversary.
There are 14 dives into these spirited classics penned by the likes of Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Merle Haggard & Mel Tillis. Produced by Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm), the rousing American spirit melodies flow from the speakers like honey off a spoon on Honky Tonk (Drops May 19/Sage Arts-Virtual/45:01), their first album in 7 years.
To my personal delight is “Burn Another Honky Tonk Down,” which sounds close to The Band in tradition, & it stung my ears with its beauty. Seattle’s Marley’s Ghost is superb on this wonderfully arranged melody that’s played with that Last Waltz-era Band musicality. There are some old-world classic country & western glimmers that may or may not find favor with younger ears, but the tradition isn’t hokum or novelty. These are deep-rooted country tunes that even jazz great Charlie Parker loved & told a doubting musician beside him at the jukebox to “Listen to the stories, man, listen to the stories.”
The vocals throughout are strong (“Brand New Mister Me”), even if the song isn’t anything special, but some do rock with Country gusto with The Band’s skill & finesse (“Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line”). The performances are always energetic & knee-slapping good. Even a song like “Detour,” simplistic as it is, is sung with a Jim Reeves assurance.
Bluesy as a Patsy Cline ballad “Midnight,” cruises in hot & unassuming like a small blue pilot light on a gas stove. Solid harmony vocals, steady beat for close-up dancing at last call. Atmospheric & simply gourmet Country. This is one ghost that’s welcome to stay. Just don’t bring the chains.
Highlights – “Invitation to the Blues,” “Honky Tonk Song,” “Burn Another Hony Tonk Down,” “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line,” “Detour,” “Midnight” & “Birmingham Bounce.”
Musicians – Mike Phelan (guitars/dobro/bass/fiddle/lead & harmony vocals), Jerry Fletcher (keys/accordion/lead & harmony vocals), Ed Littlefield, Jr. (pedal steel guitar/lead & bass vocals), Dan Wheetman (bass/National steel guitar/fiddle/mandolin/acoustic & high-strung guitars/lead & harmony vocals), Jonathan Wilcox (mandolin/lead & harmony vocals) & Bob Nichols (drums/percussion) with Larry Campbell (acoustic/electric guitars/fiddle), Cary Black (basses) & Teresa Williams (harmony vocal).
An 8pp stitched insert is included. B&W image courtesy of 1888 Media & CD. CD @ https://www.marleysghost.com/
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