38 Degrees And Raining
Amber Gate, 2021
8/10
Listen to 38 Degrees And Raining
The veteran singer-songwriter and guitarist Chuck McDermott made me a fan pretty quick with 2017’s Gin & Rosewater, and here he returns with a politically themed EP where Marco Giovino handles drums and production, while Duke Levine holds down electric guitar and appearances by Luther Dickinson and many more are present.
McDermott starts the listen with warm Americana of the title track, where his deep, expressive vocals guide a landscape of textured, mysterious song craft that brings in female vocals and a guitar solo, and “You Always Do That To Me- Sometimes” offers a rugged, even bluesy rocker that recruits slide guitar, organ and The McCrary Sisters on soulful backing vocals.
The middle tracks are some of the best, and include “On A Night Like This”, which flows with much beauty as subtle keys and precise percussion unfold alongside Anne Lyon McDermott’s eloquent backing vocals, while “Hold Back The Water (Remix)” takes hints to country sounds as spoken words enters the lush, dreamy rocker.
Near the end, “Dreamers Lullaby” makes an impression, where accordion and violin interact with much agility and intimacy, while “Here’s The Thing About America” exits the listen with much focus on McDermott’s rugged vocals and sublime guitar playing as upright bass, trumpet and light drums accompany him on the working class anthem that really grasps the tone of present day America.
McDermott has a lengthy and accomplished career in politics, too, and here both of his passions collide as he takes a very thoughtful look at the state of the country in 2020, when these songs were laid down. Far from a listen that preaches, McDermott and company are insightful, genuine and diverse in their Americana approach that should be required listening for all Americans.
Travels well with: Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia; Todd Snider- Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3