![]() ![]() In a time where we see threats to our way of life, and our democracy, from within, you say: What can I do? I put pen to paper and write music.” “I was raised on folk music,” observes Farrar. It’s a tradition he has tapped often both in Son Volt and in Uncle Tupelo. On Union, Farrar taps into folk music’s rich lyrical legacy. “A lot of these songs are songs of turmoil,” says Farrar. And songs such as “The 99,” “While Rome Burns,” and “Lady Liberty” push up the acoustic guitar in the mix to underscore the enduring role of troubadours in troubled times. “Broadsides will be hurled to capture the truth,” sings Farrar on the brooding and blues-driven song that takes its name from the one-page bulletins that used to spread both proclamations and ballads. Others hearken back to the freewheeling poetic melodicism of 1994’s Trace and 1997’s Straightaways. Some tunes offer a powerful return to the ringing lyrical clarity of 2005’s Okemah and the Melody of Riot and 2007’s The Search. But the new record nods to many other mile markers along the band’s 25-year path. The country and blues sounds explored by Son Volt on its last two records (2013’s Honky Tonk and 2017’s Notes of Blue) linger in the grooves of Union. “What can we do to bring our society back together?” “There are so many forces driving our country apart,” observes Farrar. The thirteen new songs written by founder Jay Farrar confront our turbulent politics and articulate the clarity and comfort music can offer in the tumult. On Son Volt’s new record, Union, present and past mingle into strong confluence. Nice party Spokanites! Can’t wait for the Spook Sisters! Spokane, WA Lucky You Lounge And nothing compares favorably with that lineup and material, in my view. Also, I always compare Son Volt to the original Farrar, Heidorn, Boquist brothers, with Heineman, lineup. Not bad for my 2nd concert since COVID sequestration. The vocals could have been clearer, maybe better enunciation, or better mic and amplified sound integrity. ![]() ![]() I removed earplugs after one song by Jesse Farrar, so the decibels were tolerable, maybe except for the last 2 or 3 songs. I would guess the overall sound was good, not poor or excellent. Since I was parked stage left, in front of Mark Spencer, I was hearing his monitor more than the House speakers. Highlights were Picking Up the Signal, The Globe, The Reason, and Driving the View. They played songs from the original 3 albums, along with at least 15 more from later albums. I’ll post the set list where it belongs on. Journeymen Andrew Duplantis (bass) and Mark Spencer ( Norg keyboards, lap steel, and red Gibson E335-style electric) joined the newest drummer and lead guitarist. Jay Farrar has gathered a nice ensemble for this Son Volt collective. Turns out young Jesse is part of a bluegrass band and wrote a song for Special Consensus that won a Grammy! A super confident young man, who played acoustic guitar, sometimes along with an electronic “loop” so he could demonstrate his flat picking skills. Jay’s nephew Jesse Farrar open with a nicely done solo 30 minute set, setting the plate for Son Volt. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |