Grandiflora (inscription)
November 17, 2023 (released)
November 17, 2023
Richer because he is a great multi-genre artist who makes a great album of songs.
Hard because he can't be pigeonholed easily or even thrown into catch-all Americana.
Overall, I'll take “richer” because this album gave me chills from start to finish.
He teams up with producer Doc Sarlo (Feisty Records, Altered Statesman, Adam Trumbo, Jim Skinner Blues Trio) on a seven-track record with songs all written by veteran Nashville songwriter (and Wolfe's father-in-law) LH Halliburton.
“The Harvest” reinforces and expands Wolfe's genre fluidity, but mostly showcases great songs that are artfully produced and arranged and powerfully performed. You can find Country, Blues, Gospel and New Orleans Boogie here, even old fashioned rock & roll, but it's all bent in his dark and angry voice (though there's a great sense of care in there too).
There is not a single piece that is full or “less”, just seven pieces that stand on their own and demand to be played continuously.
Opener 'Harvest' sounds like it should have Dylan's early nasal vocals or Neil Young's crooning against it – some great flute playing by Seth Fox – but Wolfe's vocals show his softer side.
“New Orleans Going Down” has a great 2nd line groove that sits opposite Wolfe at his angriest as he describes the plight of the Crescent City during Katrina.
“Lost Prayers” is country at its best, with violin – Anna Eyink – and sweet backing vocals
it leads into the wonderful 'Hello, Mr Wolf' with Wolfe's vocals almost spoken and greyed out.
'Mississippi' has a laid back rock and roll beat and then there's 'Here To Stay' – very Tom Waits with reverb vocals, upright piano and the whistling of old valves and absolutely fantastic.
Mid-November and a new entry in my personal top 10 of the year. A real gem.
