Broken River
Walkinay, 2026
9/10
The Austin, Texas legend, Hank Alrich, fleshes out 12 authentic and organic tunes here, where plenty of idea are explored with eloquence.
The warm spirit of the title track starts with Rick Richard’s crisp drumming and Warren Hood’s elegant violin complementing Alrich’s flowing voice, and “The Perfect Hat” follows with Andrew Hardin’s meticulous guitar and Red Young’s playful keys amid the bright storytelling of the rhythmic climate.
Entering the middle, Alrich’s cozy acoustic guitar tugs on the heartstrings in the intimate mood of “She Had Whiskey For Dinner”, while “Where You Been” benefits from Glenn Fukunaga’s precise bass alongside the bluesy nods.
Deeper yet, “Blue Guru” invites Floyd Domino’s animated keys and Alrich’s spoken word via the stylish album highlight that enlists well timed backing vocals from Shaidri Alrich and Barbara Nesbitt, and “Can You Hear Me Calling” exits with Keith Little’s lively banjo that complements the sing-alongs and rural melodies that are instantly memorable.
Alrich helped put Austin on the map in the ‘70s through Onion Audio and Armadillo Records, and his creative ways haven’t waned one bit, as evidenced by these folk, blues, country, free jazz, bluegrass and gospel tinted songs that will always be relevant.
Travels well with: CJ Hooper- Over Yonder; The Unfaithful Servants- Fallen Angel