York’s Lament & Other Stories
Wonder Dog, 2023
8/10
Listen to York’s Lament & Other Stories
A record that’s been in the making his whole life, Reggie Garrett brings us on a journey of black life in America in a very authentic manner that incorporates blues, gospel, folk and pop ideas.
“Stagecoach Mary” opens the listen with stirring fiddle from Ben Hunter and Garrett’s warm and flowing vocals that make for a harmonic start, and “Mama’s Calling Me” follows with Richard Middleton’s graceful piano and Will Dowd’s light drums making for a very expressive climate.
Further along, “A Woman’s Work (Is Never Done)” burns slow, with Wayne Horvitz’s mature keys and Keith Lowe’s cozy bass helping cultivate the intimacy, while “Can’t Get Satisfied” lands in gospel territory with its rich and powerful song craft that places Middleton on electric guitar and showcases Garrett’s absorbing pipes.
Advancing towards the end, “Newsman” uses meticulous finger picking and recorders for a very a dreamy, poetic mood, and “Street Scenes (Down On The Corner)” exits with a cautious, reflective tone that’s a solo guitar display of Garrett’s timeless vision.
A very articulate listen that was inspired by the shooting of Treyvon Martin and Ta-nehisi Coates, there’s much diversity and emotion to be experienced, as Garrett’s version of urban folk music is as important as it is accessible.
Travels well with: Lucie Blue Tremblay- So Many Wows; Annie Capps- How Can I Say This?