The follow-up to multi-instrumentalist siblings Chris (Medeski, Martin & Wood) and Oliver’s (King Johnson) successful debut is another classy set of rootsy folk, blues, gospel and roots ruminations. Chris’ high lonesome voice and the music’s naked lope are both righteous and somber with glimmers of hope shining through the dark cracks.
Videos by American Songwriter
Label: Blue Note
[Rating: 3 STARS]
The follow-up to multi-instrumentalist siblings Chris (Medeski, Martin & Wood) and Oliver’s (King Johnson) successful debut is another classy set of rootsy folk, blues, gospel and roots ruminations. Chris’ high lonesome voice and the music’s naked lope are both righteous and somber with glimmers of hope shining through the dark cracks. Some songs float away through the wispy ether but the best tracks, including a reggae tinged version of Hendrix’s “Angel” and a stripped down take on Dylan’s “Buckets of Rain,” find that elusive sweet spot between rustic and raw that tugs at the emotional center of this music. Nothing is rushed and Medeski’s hands-off production makes this session resonate with the natural empathy shared by two talented brothers playing for each other, away from the spotlight.
