Ramblin' Jack Elliott - A Stranger Here (2009) torrent

Ramblin' Jack Elliott - A Stranger Here (2009) MP3 320

If anybody's got a sense of history, it's Ramblin' Jack Elliott, who began his career in the 1950s, learned directly from Woody Guthrie, and influenced Bob Dylan and countless others.

Confronting a possible second Great Depression in America in 2009, a 77-year-old Elliott delivers an album of blues tunes from the first one, songs he absorbed as a young man. While Elliott's agreeably worn, leathery voice inhabits songs associated with the likes of Rev. Gary Davis and Blind Willie McTell with undeniable ease, producer Joe Henry puts a twist on the proceedings.

With a band that includes Van Dyke Parks, Los Lobos' David Hidalgo, and others, Henry adds just a bit of arch, modern sonic spin, providing a moody atmosphere that enhances the experience without overwhelming Elliott's performances.

Ramblin' Jack Elliott – vocals, guitar
Greg Leisz – guitar, dobro, mandolin, mandola, Weissenborn
Jay Bellerose – drums, percussion
Keith Ciancia – piano, keyboards
Van Dyke Parks – piano, vibraphone
David Piltch – upright bass
David Hidalgo – guitar, accordion

01."Rising High Water Blues" (Blind Lemon Jefferson) – 3:55
02."Death Don't Have No Mercy" (Reverend Gary Davis) – 6:08
03."Rambler's Blues" (Lonnie Johnson) – 5:14
04."Soul of a Man" (Blind Willie Johnson) – 4:16
05."Richland Women Blues" (Mississippi John Hurt) – 4:25
06."Grinnin' in Your Face" (Son House) – 3:55
07."New Stranger Blues" (Tampa Red) – 3:25
08."Falling Down Blues" (Furry Lewis) – 4:53
09."How Long Blues" (Leroy Carr) – 4:44
10."Please Remember Me" (Walter Davis) – 4:03

If you like the music, buy it!