LAYIN’ DOWN THE ROOTS
Jazz legend Charlie Haden was a staple in the jazz scene for the latter half of the 20th century. Recording with everyone from Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane to Chick Correa and Herbie Hancock, it may seem the bassist is a little pigeon-holed into the jazz idiom.
Jazz legend Charlie Haden was a staple in the jazz scene for the latter half of the 20th century. Recording with everyone from Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane to Chick Correa and Herbie Hancock, it may seem the bassist is a little pigeon-holed into the jazz idiom. But his latest album, “Rambling Boy,” blows that misconception right out of the water.
Originally from Missouri, Haden got started playing upright bass in his family band as a kid. From there he moved on to jazz, but it is evident his heart never left the heartland. The musical talent in his direct and extended family lends serene musicality to this album. Co-produced by his wife, Ruth Cameron (who sings tenderly on “Down by the Salley Gardens”), the album boasts more wrangled-in musicians than stars in the dark prairie sky.
From son-in-law Jack Black – yes, el Nacho Libre himself – to banjo playing Flecktones-daddy, Bela Fleck on “On Joe Clark,” the album teems with an array of Mid-Western roots masters.
Other stars who dot the liner notes include Josh Haden, Ricky Skaggs, Elvis Costello, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal.
Haden’s own triplet daughters harmonize divinely on “A Voice From On High.” The talent of the triplets is evident both together and individually. Each daughter gets a chance to shine on their own through the wonderful arranging skills of Haden and fellow award-winning guitarist Pat Metheny.
“The Fields of Athenry” is a seven-minute Irish folk epic that allows all the musicians to display their fine skills. Bruce Hornsby and Metheny take rivitting solos while Charlie’s daughter, Petra, gives listeners goose bumps with her mellifluous vocals.
As an added bonus, Haden and Cameron opted to include a track titled “Old Haden Family Show,” during which Haden’s father introduces the then-two-year-old “Charles Edward” (Charlie Haden). The authentic vinyl buzz and classic 50s inflection are all there along with a startling display of talent from the yodeling prodigy.
Even for those who want nothing to do with country music or Americana, the craftsmanship of “Rambling Boy” and beauty of every song are reasons enough to purchase this album.
Grade: A
Download (don’t steal): “Old Joe Clark,” arranged by Charlie Haden, featuring Jack Black and Bela Fleck.
