Rootstime.be
Better folk and country blues aficionados absolutely
must listen to this release! Singer-songwriter Birgen Olsen of Oregon
brought together a group of top musicians from Portland for his album
"Old Ways", unlike his previous works which he brought under his own
name, solo or with a smaller band. Birger's deep rough voice is a cross
between John Hammond and Tony Joe White, while the music falls
somewhere among Taj Mahal, Barry Big Branner, and Eric Bibb.
This is raw, unpolished music that'll at first only reach you in small
parts before eventually seeping under your skin. No (excessive) frills,
no bothersome jams. But music that reflects the essentials, with a few
sinister leads, and here and there the threatening sound of the tuba
calling to mind New Orleans.
For those who do not know him, it will take some getting used to
Birger's storytelling way of singing, repeatedly swaying with monotone,
almost mumbled words. Somber but efficient support by Clifford Kaufman
(drums), Jake Pegg (tuba), Jim Prescott (bass and keyboards) and the
surprising contribution by Alison Rice on "Aunt Faye's" make this an
exciting piece of work. In addition to vocals, Olsen also plays a
number of guitars, plus mandolin and banjo. This last instrument in
particular provides a fantastic down-home feel on "Mister Jayhawk" and
some welcome variety. Next to that, lively fingerpicking by Birger
ensures that real folk-blues fanatics keep coming back for more.
Sober class of a rare caliber. Closing number "Drum Heavy", as the name
insinuates, is a 56-second long beating, wordless track. Although its
place on this "Old Ways" may be a mystery to us, it doesn't detract
from the album as a whole. All in all, a treasure of (unfortunately)
only half an hour, the perfect company on cold winter nights by the
fireplace.
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Old Ways
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