SHAKER
DAVID JOHANSEN AND THE HARRY SMITHS
[JD236]
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1. Furry's Blues 2. I'll Go With Her 3. Deep Blue Sea 4. My Morphine 5. Ham Hound Crave 6. Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me 7. I Can't Be Satisfied 8. In Love Again 9. Death Letter 10. My Grandpa 11. Jailbird Love Song 12. High Sheriff 13. Kassie Jones 14. The Last Kind Words |
David Johansen and the Harry Smiths' Shaker is more than just a tribute to great blues legends and the infamous anthologist of folk music. This work effectively brings together a profound understanding of the folk/blues genre, Johansen's own gritty style, and a band of seasoned musicians to bring an enticingly accessible creation with traces of rock and jazz sprinkled throughout. Building on the folk accuracy of their first album, Shaker elevates this artistic concept to a new level, casting another set of classic tunes that glow with a coat of that unique Johansen character.
While David Johansen and the Harry Smiths' debut album focused on material from the Harry Smith anthology, Shaker sees an evolution that maintains a similar feel but brings in classic songs from blues greats such as Son House, Muddy Waters, and a wonderful rendition of Charlie Patton's “High Sheriff.” Respect for the musical style is obvious with Johansen's pinpoint delivery and phrasing leaving the listener aching for more following the last refrain.