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Use Me
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Guitarist and fiddler
is a legend in roots music circles, a genuine guitar virtuoso and session ace whose quirky mystique has been burnished by periodic withdrawals from the public eye (currently, his full-time job is as a dealer and repairman of vintage violins). He released no music between 1990 and 2007, at which point he emerged briefly from his recording hiatus with the acoustic folk-blues effort
. Four years later he has come out with a much different project. The aptly titled
is the result of an unusual collaborative effort:
contacted some of his favorite songwriters (
,
, and
, among others) and asked them to write songs for him. The result is a completely entertaining and at times thrilling program of material in a wide variety of styles: "Old Neighborhood" finds
collaborating with
in a soul-funk vein; "Bring It with You When You Come" is a charming excursion into jug-band skiffle with
on drums; "The Long Goodbye" is a tender waltz with
. Singing has never been
's strong suit, but over the years he has learned to make the most of his limited vocal instrument -- notice how he uses his low range and his natural quaver to endearing effect on the old
weeper "It's Just a Matter of Time" (on which he's assisted by
). It's too bad he didn't try a bit harder on the
composition "Ride on Out a Ways," which he speaks more than sings, but the song's soulful chord progression provides real melodic interest all on its own. There's a pervasive sense of mutual affection and musical respect throughout this album that makes it a pleasure to listen to even in those moments when its other elements don't quite come together perfectly. ~ Rick Anderson