Jubilee
ATO, 2023
9/10
The Americana legends Old Crow Medicine Show celebrated their 25 years together with this Grammy Nominated 8th studio album that meshes their folk, bluegrass and rootsy ways with the co-founder Willie Watson, soul singer Mavis Staples and up and coming artist Sierra Ferrell in attendance.
The vocally harmonic and warm spirit of “Ballad Of Jubilee Jones” opens the listen with flowing banjo and spirited fiddle, and “Miles Away” follows with Watson present for the breezy melodies and poetic singing that tugs on the heartstrings.
Further along, the rowdy “I Want It Now” showcases bright piano and lively group vocals via the mountain rocker, while “Belle Meade Cockfight” features Ferrell’s expressive pipes for the swift, rural song craft.
Arriving near the end, the howling “Wolfman Of The Ozarks” spotlights dynamic string interaction that suits the vivid storytelling, and “One Drop” exits with Staples’ inimitable vocals complementing the gospel hints of the rhythmic climate that could soundtrack a barnyard dance.
Whether this is your first time or you’ve been following all along, you’re going to be impressed with the unparalleled attention to songwriting and rugged yet tuneful delivery of a record that certainly warranted Grammy attention.
Travels well with: The Devil Makes Three- Chains Are Broken; Steep Canyon Rangers- Out In The Open