Jimmy LaFave, who passed away prematurely in 2017, pens Peace Town, a most feverish posthumous album that reaches the heights of Americana. But beyond the emotional charge that he delivers, this is also a superb introduction to this American folk music filled with history. With performances full of honesty and integrity, LaFave pays homage to many artists, and we sometimes prefer the covers. This set of two CDs opens on the absolute metamorphosis of Pete Townshend’s title, Let My Love Open the Door. Transposed on more acoustic foundations, the song strays away from the 80s bouncing pop to increase in intensity and depth. In this country, folk, rock and blues repertoire, there’s no lack of references that build a true historical castle. Although he wanted to record about a hundred songs, this release on the label Music Road Records still includes twenty. Absolute fan of Woody Guthrie, he pays homage to the folk icon from Oklahoma through his compositions Salvation Train or Sideline Woman. An established artist, LaFave also plays the role of relay. He maintains a culture that has accompanied him all his life. From Leon Russell (Help Me Through the Day) to J.J. Cale (Do Not Go To Strangers), to Sis Cunningham (My Oklahoma Home (It Blowed Away)), Chuck Berry (The Promised Land) and many others, this is an open love letter that he writes… He even covers the title I May Be Used (But I Ain't Used Up) that sang Waylon Jennings, proof that his songs will be listened to long after his death. © Clara Bismuth/Qobuz