Driven To Drive
Thirty Tigers, 2024
8/10
Now 23 albums deep, the singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Ely pens his first road album, where songs inspired by travel welcome many players and even a cameo from Springsteen.
“Drivin’ Man” opens with Ely’s distinct vocals and warm guitar alongside Joel Guzman’s well timed accordion, and “Odds Of The Blues” follows with Jeff Plankenhorn’s spirited lead guitar, where Springsteen’s unmistakable voice is along for the grit and melody.
Further on, the lively mood of “Didn’t We Robbie” welcomes Bill Ginn’s rowdy keys that suit the bright singing and Bill Ginn’s fluid organ, while “Ride Motorcycle” is a rugged moment that uses Mitch Walkins’ synth and electric guitar via the upbeat and honky tonk nods.
Deeper yet, “Gulf Coast Blues” is a bare moment of grace thanks to the poetic singing and light accordion, and “Jackhammer Rock” exits with Eddie Beethoven’s voice that complements Ely’s guitar and synth.
Ely released his first record in 1977, and since then it’s been a consistent stream of top notch blues, roots rock, Americana and country, that, at 78 years old, sounds and resonates with sincerity and timelessness.
Travels well with: Driftwood- December Last Call; Boy Named Banjo- Dusk