This week's roots CDs reviewed
DAVID SERBY
Honkytonk and Vine Harbour Grove ***
"If I could make a bunch of records and swing back and forth between Alvin and Yoakam, that would be perfect," David Serby says in his record company bio. Certainly this southern California twangster's third album is redolent of those two major west coast figures. These 13 self-penned, pun-filled tracks display rockist tendencies amid the tears and the beers, though Buck Owens's more traditional sound is also a big influence. The lachrymose I Only Smoke When I'm Drinkin'is the pick of the bunch, but the Tex-Mex- flavoured For Cryin' Out Loudand the Bakersfield sound of If You're Seriousare also impressive. Producer and guitarist Edward Tree has created a full sound coloured by his own tasty licks behind Serby's mild-mannered tenor. Anyone hankering after a Yoakam set will not be disappointed. www.david serby.com
Download tracks: For Cryin' Out Loud, I Only Smoke When I'm Drinkin'
EILEN JEWELL
Sea of Tears Signature Sounds Records ****
If it's retro and reverb you like, then step right over here. Eilen Jewell was born in Boise, Idaho, 30 years ago, but such is her command and love of classic Americana styles that her cool, smokey, creamy voice could be from 50 years ago, when the inspiration for this new collection dominated. Her 2007 Sinners and Strangers was a luminous monument to rakish 1950s country/folk and wholesome gospel, but Sea of Tears extends her reach into the dodgier world of r'n'b, blues and rockabilly. "Before I discovered Woody Guthrie and folk music I was listening to Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and, later on, The Animals and The Kinks. I love that stuff, and I love to play it." Nine of the 12 tracks are self-penned, finishing with the stunning Codeine Arms, a voice of despair wrapped around a narcotic solution. Supported by her fine touring band, including guitar whizz Jerry Miller, Jewell in her understated, almost detached style strikes gold. www.eilenjewell.com
Download tracks: Sea of Tears, Fading Memory, Codeine Arms
