Leftover Feelings
New West, 2021
9/10
Few artists will ever be as consistently great as John Hiatt, who, in the midst of a pandemic, hooked up with Grammy winning producer and musician Jerry Douglas and his band for an aptly titled album that was recorded in RCA’s famed Studio B.
“Long Black Electric Cadillac” starts the listen with a warm, bluesy spirit as Hiatt’s gritty pipes are met with Christian Sedelmyer’s agile violin playing, and “Mississippi Phone Booth” follows with a swampy southern flavor as raw singing and meticulous guitar playing draw us in immediately.
Towards the middle, “I’m In Asheville” brings much beauty to the lap steel friendly and poetic climate, while “Little Goodnight” bounces with a rugged yet pretty delivery where Carmella Ramsey’s smooth vocals complement the expressive album highlight that discusses the loss of Hiatt’s brother many decades ago. “Buddy Boy”, another strong track, then burns soulfully with Hiatt's gruff pipes emitting a sage like presence.
Deeper yet, “Keen Rambler” swaggers amid a timeless bluesy approach and no shortage of grooves, and “Sweet Dream” exits the listen showcasing a stirring, rootsy finish that looks back with much poise.
Now approaching 50 years of recorded music, Hiatt shows no signs of slowing down, and this live off the floor effort is made that much better thanks to the stunning dobro work from Douglas. Hiatt has played many styles of music in his vast career, and here he’s firmly planted in country-rock and bluegrass ideas that may leave out drums, but offers a wealth of intimate and diverse music that we will adore for decades to come.
Travels well with: Los Lobos- Native Sons; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul