This week's Roots releases reviewed
Written in Chalk New West *****
Buddy Miller is one of the leading roots guitarists working today; his wife of 20 years, one-time white gospel singer Julie Miller, is a remarkable songwriter as well as a moving singer. You sense that career trajectory isn't high on the Millers' agenda. Their recording work, both solo and together, is pointed in the absence of "industry" styles and tunes. They just walk into their Nashville home studio and let it flow, supported by friends such as Emmylou Harris, Robert Plant and Patty Griffin, and by sensitive players of the ilk of pianist John Deaderick. And what flows is music of the heart about love, distance, loneliness and selfishness, cushioned by the wonderfully wheezing guitar of the rollicking Gasoline and Matchesand the bluesy One Part, Two Part. But it is Julie's emotional singing that brings on goosebumps: A Long Long Timeand Juneare, simply, beautifully sad. www.buddyandjulie. com
JOE BREEN
Download tracks: June, Gasoline and Matches, A Long Long Time
Deep Rain Blue Rose **
I imagine Julian Dawson is a nice guy. The Englishman's modest, even voice suggests it, and the concern in his lyrics does too. Dawson is also 54, a long journeyman career in music behind him and, to judge from his website, a small but committed following as his reward. Deep Rainis an important record for him, the chance to record under the guidance of legendary country soul songwriter and producer Dan Penn. As such it is surprising that these songs are more often disappointing than inspiring. They sound laboured and lame, apart from the title track, Keys to the Kingdom of Love, Long Days and Short Nightsand a couple of others (not including a bizarre, almost karaoke-like version of What Become of the Brokenhearted, which sounds as if somebody forgot the main vocal track). www.julian dawson.com
JOE BREEN
Download tracks: Keys to the Kingdom of Love, Deep Rain
