It is a rare event when an artist can deliver an example of what many would consider great American folk music;
Anders Osborne does this with the ease of a true master. This is an album that serves well as an entertainment package, as well as a learning tool for those in search of roots based music. Solid roots blues music is featured in the opening number, "Pleasin' You." The intro features some great fretwork along with
Anders Osborne's soulful vocals. When the rest of the band gets into the action, there are some colorful nuances from the organ and electric lead guitar lifting the blend to another plateau. The mix for "Favorite Son" is a rock beat structured with a melody that could have easily come from the
Jackson Browne camp. "Limestone Bay" has a strong Bayou country feel.
Anders Osborne's vocal style also complements the melody, adding expressive color. "Don't Leave Me" features a beautiful acoustic presentation by
Anders Osborne in a folk-rock style that rings out with genuine American heart and soul. Performances of this magnitude, unfortunately, are quickly becoming a thing of the past. In the same circle as
Pete Seeger,
Bob Dylan,
Arlo Guthrie and other great American folk singers,
Anders Osborne fits the bill with ease. It is the perfectly crafed melodies, which are timeless pieces of art, that make this album truly appealing. ~ Larry Belanger