Gettin’ Together
Borealis, 2023
8/10
The roots musician Michael Jerome Browne finds himself in the company of Mary Flower, Eric Bibb, and John Sebastian, among others, for these new recordings of old songs that are just as much fun to listen to as they were to make.
“Monday Morning Blues” opens the listen with Browne’s expressive voice and warm 12-string guitar alongside Harrison Kennedy’s soulful harmonica in the bluesy climate, and “Shake‘em On Down” follows with Eric Bibb’s meticulous 9-string guitar complementing Browne’s gritty pipes and J.J. Milteau’s animated harmonica.
Halfway through, “Please Help” welcomes Stephen Barry’s lively string bass and John McColgan’s frisky drums to the rhythmic album highlight, while “Reverend Strut” is just Browne’s 6-string banjo for the mountain-esque delivery.
“Wisecrack” arrives near the end and places Mary Flower on guitar to complement Browne’s guitar playing for the mesmerizing and dreamy landscape, and “Living With The Blues” exits with John Sebastian’s lively harmonica, Happy Traum’s energetic lead guitar and McColgan’s playful washboard for the busy and rich finish.
Browne is a 3 time Canadian Folk Music Award winner, and it’s easy to see why. His sincere and heartfelt song craft is timeless, and the company he keeps is nothing short of exceptional,
Travels well with: Sue Foley- Pinky’s Blues; Eric Bibb- Ridin’