Chelsea Walls
Omnivore, 2022
8/10
The multi-talented renaissance man Jeff Tweedy soundtracks Ethan Hawke’s 2001 directorial debut here, where 14 tracks revolve around a highly improvised listen that welcomes some very special guests.
The focused and haunting “Opening Titles” opens the listen, and it isn’t long until the balladry of “Promising” has Wilco tugging on the heartstrings with its dreamy folk nods.
In the middle, the strategic trumpet from Jimmy Scott really makes John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” an album standout as the listen approaches jazz, while “The Lonely 1” features Robert Sean Leonard and Steve Zahn both on guitar.
Nearing the end, Leonard returns on “Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”, where he handles guitar and vocals with much care, and the folksy instrumental “End Credits” arrives with some of the best guitar playing found on the record.
Glenn Kotche, also of Wilco, accompanies Tweedy here, and the many guests help make each track a bit different in scope. There’s a pair of bonus tracks on this reissue, as well as new liner notes and a conversation between Tweedy and the Grammy winning set producer Cheryl Pawelski.
For fans of anything Tweedy, this is certainly a must, and again illustrates just how versatile he is.
Travels well with: Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art; Gary Louris- Jump For Joy