Blackgrass: From West Virginia To 125st St
Oh Boy, 2024
8/10
Listen to Blackgrass: From West Virginia To 125st St
The Virginia native and Los Angeles resident Swamp Dogg has enjoyed a 7 decade long career, and this installment of his work meshes folk, roots, country, blues, and soul and welcomes guests like Margo Price, Vernon Reid, Jenny Lewis, Justin Vernon, and The Cactus Blossoms.
“Mess Under That Dress” starts the listen with swift finger pickin’, where soulful backing vocals complement Dogg’s inimitable pipes, and “Ugly Mans Wife” follows with a calmer spirit, as a timeless rootsy flavor is present and appreciated.
Deeper into the listen, “To The Other Woman” features Margo Price’s colorful voice for the rich climate that’s powerful, while “Count The Days” welcomes Jenny Lewis’ bright singing for the rhythmic and gospel fueled album highlight.
Closer to the end, “Rise Up” showcases Vernon Reid’s robust electric guitar amid melodic strings and “Murder Ballad” exits with Dogg’s spoken word prowess that floats across the subtle instrumentation.
Now in his 80’s, Dogg shows little signs of slowing down, and along with the musicians Noam Pikelny, Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas, Chris Scruggs, Billy Contreras, and Kenny Vaughan he keeps his legacy going with a bluegrass focused affair.
Travels well with: The Staple Singers- Africa 80; Ohio Players- Observations In Time: The Johnny Brantley/Vidalia Productions