Hillbilly
Pilgrim — SIG 1281
On this new release, Erelli takes the dive he's always
hinted at, unveiling an entire album of western swing
originals. Back in the 1930s and 40s, crowds flocked to
dance halls to hear music that combined big-band jazz with
country instrumentation. Hillbilly Pilgrim finds Erelli
teaming up with members of Boston's premier country band The
Spurs to put a new spin on the tradition. Hillbilly Pilgrim
is immersed in vintage twang without abandoning Erelli's
contemporary sensibility and the heartfelt, thoughtful
lyrics more commonly associated with folk music. Highlights
include the rollicking "Troubadour Blues," a duet
with Erin McKeown on "Pretend," the mournful
"The Farewell Ball," and a cover of Billy Jack
Wills' "Troubles," a pure rockabilly classic. This
is a fun, largely uptempo record, where even the tearjerkers
are leavened by sleek steel guitar and Erelli's jukebox
vocals. |
