Highways, Gamblers, Devils And Dreams
KZ, 2023
8/10
Listen to Highways, Gamblers, Devils And Dreams
Thought it’s been 7 years since Hank Woji has released music, he’s clearly been busy writing songs, and here he brings 2 discs of his personal storytelling that unfolds across folk and country ideas that welcomes plenty of friends.
The mid-tempo country rock tune “Don’t Look Back” opens the listen with warm harmonica and pedal steel adding much emotion, and it isn’t long until “I’m Gonna Hit My Number” finds a swampy, bluesy place to reside with its playful guitar and piano.
Closer to the middle, “Sunny Days” lands in balladry via the vivid storytelling and calming pedal steel from Rob Pastore, while “Land Of Hope And Dreams” enters gospel territory thanks to the spirited choir and agile fiddle.
Landing near the end, the reggae influenced “Can’t Happen Here” find plenty of grooves to cultivate thanks to Munyungo Jackson’s skilled percussion, and “Peace Unto You” exits with rich vocal harmonies populating the calming presence that employs Karen Mueller’s auto harp.
A very diverse and well thought out return, Woji and company turn in great interpretations of songs by Springsteen, Guthrie, Cliff and Van Zandt, plus 18 originals of timeless Americana songwriting.
Travels well with: Caroline Cotter- Gently As I Go; Owen Walsh- On My Way