I have been singing the praises of this series of releases ever since they first commenced, and I see no reason at all to stop now. The concept is a simple one, when the cicadas are singing Dan Emery invites different bluegrass/country/folk/roots musicians to play under the magnolia tree in his backyard. No overdubs, often just one or two takes, and there is the album. I admit I have only heard of one of the musicians featured prior to them being in these sessions, but just that Dan has felt they are worthy enough to be included is enough for me, and I have yet to be disappointed.
This time we have guitarist and singer Bosko Baker joined by Birdie Veilleux (fiddle) and Ely Rickard (banjo). Apparently, they had played a festival immediately prior to this the same evening, arrived at 10:00 pm, set up and went straight into it. I was playing this through speakers at home the other day and my wife walked in and asked what I was listening to, and said it sounded like it 100 years old! I totally get where she was coming from, as if Dan added in some scratches and surface hiss this could easily be a collection of rare 78’s as this truly is from a bygone age. Bosko’s picking style is tied in very closely with the banjo, while the wailing fiddle over the top adds melancholy and nuance.
I found that very few of the songs resonate with me individually, but playing the album all the way through is an incredible experience, especially when listened to on headphones as it feels as if we are sat a campfire, looking into the flames while some friends provide the entertainment after a long day’s ride. Yet another thoroughly enjoyable release in this series and look may it continue.
Rating: 7/10
Links:
https://www.boskobaker.com/
https://anticorpmusic.com/