The third entry into the Wood Brothers' impressive catalog of folk-jazz-blues-gospel-pop is an extension of the first two. Bassist Chris takes a lead vocal, but the brothers' instinctive chemistry remains, and even a horn section on three selections doesn't detract from the difficult-to-categorize hyphenated genre songwriting and exuberant, natural playing. The specter of Bob Dylan -- whose "Buckets of Rain" was covered on the duo's debut -- hovers over these songs, and is especially evident on the harmonica intro to the ...
Read More
The third entry into the Wood Brothers' impressive catalog of folk-jazz-blues-gospel-pop is an extension of the first two. Bassist Chris takes a lead vocal, but the brothers' instinctive chemistry remains, and even a horn section on three selections doesn't detract from the difficult-to-categorize hyphenated genre songwriting and exuberant, natural playing. The specter of Bob Dylan -- whose "Buckets of Rain" was covered on the duo's debut -- hovers over these songs, and is especially evident on the harmonica intro to the languid "Pay Attention." But there is also a snarky yet wholesome friskiness running through some of the tunes, in particular the sexy and almost lascivious, spirited first single/video "Shoofly Pie," and the very Tom Waits-influenced clip-cloppy rhythms for the "I've just found heaven with a touch of sin" lyrics of "Stumbled In." Veteran producer/engineer Jim Scott leaves plenty of space in the sound, but fills it out with subtleties and dynamics, especially percussive, which create songs that call you back for additional listens. Oliver's expressive, leisurely voice lingers over syllables like he's singing directly to you, and his evocative words such as those on the title track are, like Dylan's, often obtuse but never alienating. Chris' bubbly, freewheeling, standup bass work is always superb but his playing sets new standards on "When I Was Young." Here his jumpy lines define the song whose lyrics hark back to the singer's younger, more carefree days when the hardest work he had was "waiting for tomorrow," and when he talked about love "but didn't know a thing." Yet highlights such as the introspective "Made It Up the Mountain" work in a far more serious, funky, gospel, singer/songwriter vein aided immensely by John Medeski's organ and some churchy call and response background singing that communicates the message of mistakes made but also the eventual success at finding life's worth, without pretense. The closing acoustic "Blue and Green" ends things on a lovely if somber note as Oliver reflects on his family and their eventual transition to a better place, represented by the titular colors. It connects some of the musical threads that course through the previous nine tracks, leaving the listener on a pensive, melancholy note. This is the first release on Zac Brown's Southern Ground label and bodes well for Brown's returning the support that the Georgia-based musical community provided him for many years. ~ Hal Horowitz, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Smoke Ring Halo to cart. $5.49, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Indirecto Records.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Live in America to cart. $6.00, like new condition, Sold by ARI Garage Sales rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Orlando, FL, UNITED STATES, published 1994 by Legacy.
Add this copy of Smoke Ring Halo to cart. $7.36, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Southern Ground.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Smoke Ring Halo to cart. $34.46, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Southern Ground.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Wood/Wood. Poor. Used-Acceptable, DISC ONLY, Withdrawn library disc(s). Includes a case. Artwork and liner notes not included. Disc(s) should play great, without any playback issues. Disc may include library markings, like writing, sticker, and protective label covers.
