Reckless Saints
Shiny Gnu, 2018
9/10
A husband and wife duo who have been playing and touring together for over a decade now, Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield’s first official album together delivers originals songs from both of them, as well as a spirited Blaze Foley cover.
The aptly titled “Jump In” gets the record off to a lively start of harmonicas, shuffling percussion and harmonic vocals, and “Walkin’ On A Wire” continues with a folky blues approach, where their rootsy stylings are never in short supply as Freebo (Bonnie Raitt) contributes bass work.
Further along, “Poison Arrow” flows with a contemplative setting of elegant melodies and organic instrumentation, while “Ring Around The Moon”, a Mayfield tune, recruits sublime string work in the emotive landscape. “Angels Along The Road”, one of the best tunes, then offers a gritty country template with plenty of mass appeal including fine violin prowess from Keven Aland.
Deeper tracks include the rugged and socially aware“Runaway Train” and “Election Day”, the lone cover, exits the affair with flowing Americana as Gurf Morlix, who handles lead guitar and also contributes vocals, adds much to the reworking.
Described by guitartist/vocalist Morlix as ‘blue twangled folk n’ roll’, Schneider has often been compared to legends like Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle, and together with his wife’s pretty pipes they find all sorts of beauty in this well thought out listen.
Travels well with: Bill Scorzari- Now I’m Free; Andy Thorn- Frontiers Like These