Borrowed Time
Free Dirt, 2021
8/10
The frontman for the Grammy nominated Che Apalache, Joe Troop used his time away from touring during Covid to connect with and educate the voters in North Carolina and the American South, and those experiences provided plenty of fodder for this debut solo album.
“Horizon” starts the listen with swift banjo acrobatics from Troop, as Trey Boudreaux’s upright bass complements the bluegrass friendly opening, and “Love Along The Way” follows with precise and quick mandolin thanks to Tim O’Brien. who also adds vocals to the mountain-esque rocker.
Entering the middle, “Sevilla”, which was inspired by Troop’s college years in Spain, offers a meticulous instrumental where banjo, Boudreaux’s bass and Brevan Hampden’s cajón interact in frisky, dynamic ways, while “Purdy Little Rainbows” recruits Sam Fribush on piano and Charlie Hunter’s guitar to the retro-folk landscape. “Red, White & Blues” then benefits from Nokosee Fields holding down upright bass as O’Brien’s fiddle prowess and Troop’s versatile pipes make this one of the album’s best.
Further yet, “Mercy For Migrants” brings a gospel spirit to the affair, where Abigail Washburn’s sublime vocals make the gorgeous duet quite memorable, and “Heaven On Earth” exits with whistling, congas, cowbell, and drumstick manipulation across a very busy and exciting finish where 6 different vocalists add much culture and allure.
A year of political activism seems to have only strengthened Troop’s songwriting, as he brings creative bluegrass and varied World music ideas into a very substantial yet quite playful first album on his own.
Travels well with: Che Apalache- Rearrange My Heart; Steep Canyon Rangers- Out In The Open