TIN HAT TRIO
The Rodeo Eroded
Ropeadope/ Rykodisc
· Americana deconstructed.
· Includes a guest appearance by Willie Nelson.
Opening with a subtle homage to guitarist Bill Frisell, Tin Hat Trio turns its attention to the highbrow fringes of contemporary roots music on The Rodeo Eroded.
The group’s two previous recordings (Memory is an Elephant and Helium) hinted at an obsession with American folk traditions but never indulged it fully. Here, Mark Orton’s guitars and strings resonate with a distinct twang, while Rob Burger (on accordion, piano and other keyboards) and Carla Kihlstedt (on violin and viola) stretch the boundaries of an underdeveloped idiom on 14 slightly discordant instrumentals and one vocal number.
The latter, a sleepy rendition of "Willow Weep For Me" sung by Willie Nelson, continues Tin Hat Trio’s tradition of collaborating with high-profile vocalists (last time around it was Tom Waits). Musical contributions are delivered by the likes of harpist Zeena Parkins (Bjork) and percussionist Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin and Wood).
By branding country and western with jazz and classical motifs, The Rodeo Eroded is a near-perfect reinvention of the wagon wheel of Americana.
|
