CD REVIEW: AMERICAN PATCHWORK
Anders Osborne
Alligator Records ALCD 4936
The opening sound from Osborne’s outing immediately puts one in the mind of Buddy Guy’s Sweet Tea release with its fat, heavy and bluesy groove. One difference is that Osborne does not highlight the guitar and instead focuses on the subtlety of the six strings accompanied by tight rhythms and catchy lyrical hooks. “You’re a diamond without any shine… on the road to Charlie Parker,” puts the listener on the road of Osborne’s American journey in this allusion that reminds one of the difficulty of any artist who struggles to find his place. With the support of Stanton Moore on drums, Pepper Keenan on guitar, and Robert Walter on piano and keyboard bass, Osborne paints a patchwork of vivid images upon this canvas laden with solid grooves and textures of reggae flavors, soulful sounds, and Americana roots, while delivering such universal themes as redemption and suffering on this hero’s journey. “I know this world can seem so cold and hard, but baby don’t you worry ‘bout a thing ‘cause I got your heart,” is contrasted with the personal and social commentary of lyrics like “We’re killing each other.”
The CD also contains acoustic ballads like “Acapulco” in its Dylenesque Desire-like vocal delivery that underscores the depth of Osborne’s singing and gifted writing. “Standing with Angels” is a beautiful yet haunting ballad inspired by Dylan Thomas’ poem “Do not go Gentle into that Good Night.” This song highlights Osborne as a serious singer-songwriter who is cognizant of the power of poetry as exemplified by this patchwork of all original songs. This is not a traditional blues record in any sense of the word but it is a terrific collection of spirited songwriting, singing and playing that will satisfy those who are looking for a fresh and original artist who can be seen this August at Johnstown’s Flood City Music Festival.
~Jimmy Adler
