This Boston-area collective formed in 2003. Their seventh album features a six-piece version of the band that have been playing together off and on for the past few years: Billy Beard (drums), Ry Cavanaugh (guitar), Kimon Kirk (bass), Jim Fitting (harmonica), Dinty Child (multi-instrumentalist) and Jefferson Hamer (guitar).
Hamer is singled out for special mention because, apart from his guitar playing and singing, he contributed songs, recording gear, arrangements and also co-produced and engineered the record. He sings lead vocals on three tracks Helena, What Are Those Things and Great Western Rail.
The album comprises ten mellow alt.country tunes in which electric guitars are channelled towards creating a soothing C,S,N & Y vibe. This means you are more likely to hear harmonica solos than rocking riffs.
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The songs mainly deal with matters of the heart and the plight of blue collar workers.
There are nods to the blues but not in a particularly raw or raunchy way so that even when they delve into the Mississippi Mud they come out the other side sounding spick and span.
In short, these are gentle front porch anthems tailor made for humming along to while sipping whisky or smoking a joint.
Session Americana's website
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