The Next Waltz- Volume Three
The Next Waltz, 2021
9/10
Listen to The Next Waltz- Volume Three
The Next Waltz series continues their ‘no digital shenanigans’ approach to recording on this 3rd installment, where 10 tracks of pure analog sounds flow from an all star roster of musicians laying it down on tape at The Bunker, which is label owner and musician Bruce Robison’s studio.
Jack Ingram starts the listen with the warm and soulful “Times Like These”, where his smokey, inimitable vocals are complemented by pretty female singing, spirited keys and, of course, Ingram’s proficient guitar, and Flatland Cavalry’s “War With My Mind” follows not long after with violin and pedal steel highlighting the reflective Americana.
The middle tracks offer us the cautious piano and sublime duet “Tennessee Blues”, where Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis deliver stirring balladry, while Charley Crockett’s “I Can Help” brings snappy, blues flavor to the rhythmic setting. Though there isn’t a bad tune present, Shinyribs’ “Bitch Better Have My Money” is particular noteworthy with its playful approach that’s both dance and pop-friendly.
The always impressive Robert Ellis exits the listen with “I Must Be In A Good Place Now”, where his expressive singing aligns perfectly with the graceful piano as his soft guitar lines accent the very sophisticated finish.
A listen with absolutely no filler, this is an organic experience not to be missed by fans of rootsy, Americana, country and folk influenced song craft, and who appreciate the art of playing music sans studio trickery.
Travels well with: Sadler Vaden- Anybody Out There?; Daniel Romano- Modern Pressure