Chris Whitley: at martyrs (ulftone)
Considered a contender in 1991 when his much-lauded debut, Living with the Law, hit the right critical chord, Chris Whitley subsequently made a few false moves and appeared stuck on fast forward to oblivion when he released Dirt Floor in 1998. This album prompted a renewal of interest in the white Houston-born blues guitarist and he built on the momentum by undertaking a 20-month world tour. at martyrs is the record of the tour. It is a raw document, but one that underlines the brutal honesty of this player and his songs. The abrasive sound of his national steel guitar matches the venom of his lyrics, and nowhere better than on the compelling Home is where you get across. You can catch him live in Dublin tomorrow night at Vicar Street.
- Joe Breen
Jimmie Dale Gilmore: One Endless Night (Rounder)
Now this is what I call a distinctive voice - thin, reedy, a droning, nasal, high-pitched whine that is somehow the essence of musicality. Jimmie Dale Gilmore has been rolling around the cantinas of west Texas and further afield for many a year, springing the odd gem before retiring to the shadows of the alternative country movement. This is one of his better collections. Produced by the ever-tasteful Buddy Miller and featuring a healthy dose of the usual suspects in the guise of Emmylou Harris, etc, this is a gently paced and deftly understated collection peppered with strong songs and relaxed, accomplished playing. The trembling vibrations of Gilmore's voice might be a touch too strong for some ears, but this is high quality music as evidenced by his meaty version of John Hiatt's Your Love is My Rest.
- Joe Breen