Instant Lonesome And The Twinkle Brigade
Don Giovanni, 2024
9/10
Listen to Instant Lonesome And The Twinkle Brigade
A San Francisco resident who has been a fixture in the folk scene for 3+ decades, this new record from Jody Stecher welcomes Even Murphy, BB Bowness, Ella Jordan, Nate Sabat and Korey Brodsky for the 14 old time songs.
“A Little Home To Go To” opens the listen with swift picking, where Stecher’s warm voice is met with harmonies and Bowness’ meticulous banjo via the bluegrass climate, and it isn’t long until “Little Black Train” benefits much from Korey Brodsky’s cozy mandolin alongside the group singing.
Further along, the rich flavor of “Young Widow Brown” allows for Murphy’s cozy guitar and Sabat’s well timed bass to draw us into the retro nods, while “Dreadful Morning” spotlights Jordan’s meticulous fiddle as Stecher’s storytelling draws us in.
Residing near the end, the chunky yet tuneful “Got Too Fat For That” is the album’s best, where the playful nature meshes with upbeat and memorable songwriting, and “The Fifty-Fifty Rag” exits with a bouncy mood, as the dynamic instrumental closer leaves an indelible impression.
Stecher’s singing and guitar playing are exceptional, and the help from Mile Twelve illuminates the old style blues and bluegrass bouts with a timeless and memorable folk appeal.
Travels well with: Unholy Modal Rounders- Unholier Than Thou 7/7/77; Peter Stampfel & The Bottle Caps- Demo ‘84