Way Up In The Hills
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A long running outfit from Arkansas, Sad Daddy consists of Brian Martin, Joe Sundell, Rebecca Patek and Melissa Carper. Together, they laid down 14 live tracks for this 3rd album, where a very ‘pickin-on-the-porch’ vibe runs through the diverse listen.
“Arkansas Bound” starts the listen with playful banjo and warm fiddle as Carper’s rugged vocals guide the very rootsy opener, and “Big River” follows with plucked bass and spirited harmonica complementing Sundell’s Hank Wiliams-esque delivery.
“Cold Rain” arrives further into the listen, and recruits all 4 members on vocals as the emotive and poetic album highlight makes an indelible impression, while “Charlie Pickle” embraces bluegrass nods, where a playful landscape makes for an occasion you could dance to. “Up In The Hills”, another excellent track, then emits a soulful stirring quality thanks to the hypnotic banjo, light drumming and eloquent singing.
Deeper yet, “Wild Road” offers a gorgeous acoustic fueled tune where Sundell’s infectious singing is met with breezy melody, and the reprise version of “Arkansas Bound” bookends the listen with country, folk, bluegrass and jam band ideas populating the eclectic finish.
The quartet’s decision to head to the hills and record sitting in a circle in a cabin makes for a very organic, old-timey affair that welcomes bits of ragtime, blues and jazz to Sad Daddy’s inimitable brand of Americana.
Travels well with: Pokey LaFarge-In The Blossom Of Their Shade; Dori Freeman- Ten Thousand Roses