Tribute To A Songpoet: Songs Of Eric Andersen
Y&T, 2023
8/10
Listen to Tribute To A Songpoet: Songs Of Eric Andersen
An extremely thorough tribute album, we are treated to 40+ songs here by household names and rising talents that honor the folk legend Eric Andersen, whose multi-decade career has included dozens of his own albums, plus penning songs for Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead and many, many more.
Bob Dylan starts the listen with the soulful harmonica, warm keys and his distinct pipes in “Thirsty Boots”, and it isn’t long until Lucy Kaplansky’s “Eyes Of The Immigrant” recruits soothing strings to her poetic voice in the intimate climate.
Further along, the fuller “Rain Falls Down In Amsterdam” allows Willie Nile’s raw vocals to illuminate the folk-rock delivery, while Janis Ian contributes the bare yet powerful “Hills Of Tuscany”. “Baby, I’m Lonesome”, one of the best from the first half of the listen, then has Denice Franke’s pretty vocals illuminating the subtle melodies and light accordion.
Deeper still, the dreamy flute of “Is It Really Love At All” complements Alice Howe’s stirring voice across the eloquent, soulful demeanor, and The Kennedys contribute “Waves Of Freedom” close to the end, and it sure is stunning, where Maura Kennedy’s incredible voice is met with bluegrass and country nods that are nothing short of absorbing.
This 3 CD set includes 35 newly recorded tracks, including previously unreleased tunes, and the large volume of artists present sure do interpret Andersen’s work with much care and detail towards his legendary storytelling.
Travels well with: Gail Caesar- Guitar Woman Blues; Nora Brown- Long Time To Be Gone