Crossborder Blues by Kennedy, Milteau and Segal
Harrison Kennedy is the only member of this trio that I hadn't heard of before (but that will now need to change). Milteau of course I know very well, and Segal I'd heard here and there, considered one of the greatest cello players and willing to adventure way outside of the territory normally attributed to the cello. Still, a soulful blues album with vocals, cello, sparse guitar and harmonica (and the occasional African violin) is not exactly your usual thing. And yet this works superbly. In the continuity of Milteau's albums, this has the depth and soulfulness of his Soul Conversation albums but his playing is more inventive and reminds me of earlier albums, particularly Memphis. Segal's cello is a wonder to listen to, both because it's a somewhat high register bass and because it alternates between pizz and chords (with the occasional bow). I'm reminded of Eugene Friesen at his best. Ultimately though, the album works because of the voice of Harrison Kennedy. It's sincere, direct yet deep and moving. There are originals as well as great covers here (What's Going On, Georgia, and probably the only version of The Thrill is Gone that moves me; for some reason even BB King's stringfest doesn't...) A really really cool album. I've listened to it four or five times already, and anticipate many more listens in the days, months and years to come.
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