Down In The Den
PoMo, 2020
9/10
Ted Russell Kamp is a busy man. In addition to playing bass for Shooter Jennings, Jessi Colter and Whitney Morgan, the veteran multi-instrumentalist also produces albums for other artists, as well as writing and recording his own albums. Here, on his 12th solo disc, Kamp handles all lead vocal duties and half a dozen instruments, though he does take help from many contributors, too.
Russell starts the album with vocals from Shooter Jennings on the playful, roots rockin’ “Home Sweet Hollywood”, and “Have Some Faith” continues the setting with plenty of soul present in the folk influenced atmosphere that’s also gospel friendly.
At 14 tracks, Russell gives us plenty to digest and keeps the landscape varied with the warm pedal steel and intricate finger picking of the breezy Americana of “Stick With Me”, while “Hold On”, with Gordy Quist, moves with a rugged yet melodic country rock appeal that’s even a bit spiritual. “Rainy Day Valentine”, one of the album’s best, then offers a bare but expressive trip to the ‘70s with a timeless execution.
Later in the affair, Sarah Gayle Meech adds much to the pretty Americana duet that is “Word For Word”, and Shane Alexander’s contributions to the soothing strumming and aching pedal steel of “Only Son” make this another standout. The record ends with Kirsten Proffit’s aid on the gorgeous finish of cautious intimacy that is “Take My Song With You”.
A body of work that taps into New Orleans ideas and with plenty of soul moments, Kamp again proves that he’ll never be easy to categorize, but will always be easy to embrace, as his blues, country, classic, and roots hybrid has never sounded better.
Travels well with: Too Slim And The Taildraggers- The Remedy; Jamie Wyatt- Neon Cross