The Ghost Of Tucumcari
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
Listen to The Ghost Of Tucumcari
The 32nd studio album(!) from the esteemed singer-songwriter Dana Cooper, there’s plenty of guests along for these thoughtful and soulful 11 tracks.
The soft and warm “Start The World Again” opens the listen with Libby Koch’s gorgeous vocals suiting the heartfelt climate, and the title track follows with Lyle Lovett adding his inimitable pipes alongside mature keys and vivid storytelling.
Deeper into the listen, the uplifting “What Is Love Waiting For?” welcomes Mando Saenz for the rich and harmonic album highlight, while “Falling Star” strums playfully, where an all star cast of Susan Gibson, Shake Russell, Hayes Carll and David Starr help cultivate timeless folk qualities.
Arriving near the end, the dreamy demeanor of “Beauty And Ruin” uses Saenz and Starr’s poetic contributions with much care, and “Needles To Say” exits with Lovett’s touching delivery that tugs on the heartstrings amid gentle guitar.
Cooper has enjoyed a 50+ year career, and his songwriting is as luminous as ever across these touching and memorable folk songs.
Travels well with: Tipps And Obermiller- MacGuffin; Katie Oates- Edge Of A Hurricane