Babel
Rumblestump, 2023
9/10
The multi-instrumentalist and blues focused artist Jhett Black brings a distinct vision to these diverse 11 tracks that pays close attention to mood and texture.
“Roll Out” opens the listen and wastes no time making an impression with Black’s expressive baritone and Dusty Skins’ skilled drumming that bridges both gothic and blues nods, and “Mamma Told Me Not To” follows with a thick, rock friendly presence thanks to Luciana Schiavone’s well timed backing vocals and the rugged melodies.
In the middle, the initially intimate “Wayward Son” build into a rhythmic, percussively strong blues climate, while “12 Bar Blues Again” recruits Robbie Coleman on bass and Joe Waters handling harmonica for the sturdy and soaring album highlight.
Near to the end, Deha holds down bass, keys, and percussion for the darker spirited “Devil Ain’t An Only Child”, and “Going Down”, the lone cover, exits with soulful singing and a drum heavy demeanor that does justice to the Freddie King original.
A listen that seems vintage but modern, dirty yet harmonic and is unpredictable from beginning to end, Black pens a very creative and unique version of Americana that uses blues, goth, roots and southern ideas with much intrigue.
Travels well with: William Lee Ellis- Ghost Hymns; Joanna Connor- Best Of Me