Levon Helm - Electric Dirt

Artist:

Helm, Levon

See Also:

Band (The) Bonnie Raitt - Longing In Their Hearts

Description:

Audio Mixer: Justin Guip.
Photographer: Ahron R. Foster.
Not that anyone`s keeping score, but as Band alumni records go, Levon is pulling way ahead of the pack with his second keeper in as many tries in the `00s. ELECTRIC DIRT finds the Arkansas legend building on its critically acclaimed predecessor, DIRT FARMER, and bringing the democratic ebullience of his weekly Midnight Ramble live sessions (held in his barn) to record. Ramble stalwarts Larry Campbell and Amy Helm (Levon`s daughter) appear all over the album (Campbell as producer and multi-instrumentalist; Amy Helm providing genetically in tune harmonies), while a loose, New Orleans vibe pervades courtesy of Allen Toussaint`s horn arrangements (covers of the Grateful Dead`s "Tennessee Jed", Randy Newman`s "Kingfish" and other album standouts). The album, naturally, belongs to Helm, who is in stunningly assured vocal form (remarkable for a throat cancer survivor) and whose slack rustic groove remains irresistible (who else can make a mandolin sound like funk instrument). Helm--never considered one of the Band`s chief songwriters--reveals his songcraft chops with ELECTRIC DIRT`S emotional centerpiece, "Growing Trade," an instant classic co-written with Campbell that rates with the Band`s best.

Track Listing:

DISC 1

1. Tennessee Jed
2. Move Along Train
3. Growin` Trade
4. Golden Bird
5. Stuff You Gotta Watch
6. White Dove
7. Kingfish
8. You Can`t Lose What You Ain`t Never Had
9. When I Go Away
10. Heaven`s Pearls
11. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

Album Information

Release Date:

06/30/2009

Type:

Performer

Genre:

Country

Label:

Vanguard Records (USA)

Producer:

Larry Campbell

Catalog Number:

79861

Original Release Year:

2009

# of Discs:

1

Studio/Live:

Studio

Mono/Stereo:

Stereo

Portions copyright 2005 Muze Inc. All rights reserved.