The Last Waltz
Blind Owl, 2019
8/10
Recorded live at the Belly Up Tavern in Solano Beach, California, Mrs. Henry pay homage to The Band by performing The Last Waltz 40+ years after it initially happened.
“Up On Cripple Creek” starts the listen with playful classic rock where multiple voices, keys and spirited guitars ensure a good time, and the rugged yet melodic “The Shape I’m In” continues the formula with meticulous precision.
A double disc or 3xLP, there’s much to take in here, but with the horn filled fun of Life Is A Carnival”, the soulful, key driven “The Weight” and swampy blues of “Mannish Boy” included, the record never out welcomes its stay, as Mrs. Henry touch on many variations of rock’n’roll.
Deeper cuts like the emotive and percussion heavy “Dry Your Eyes”, as well as the propulsive rock’n’roll of “Baby Let Me Follow You Down” are late album highlights, and the set ends on the rollicking “Don’t Do It” while achieving the feat of being 30+ tracks and still leaving us wanting more.
A massive amount of work went into this involving preparation, as Mrs. Henry certainly understood how important it was to do this right and respectfully. Along with musicians from bands like The Schizophonics, Sacri Monti and Louise XIV, this isn’t just a tribute, it’s a celebration of a legendary band who absolutely inspired Mrs. Henry and countless others, but whose spirit is captured well here.
Travels well with: Creature And The Woods- J Tree; Little Feat- Dixie Chicken