Remains To Be Scene
How does a band with a legendary status continue to live up to the mythology that inevitably grows and threatens to overshadow any new recording? The legendary Seldom Scene answer the question with their new album that positively glows with the same causal brilliance that has always been a hallmark of the group. The line up of guitarist and mandolin player Lou Reid, bassist Ronnie Simpkins, banjoist and fiddler Ron Stewart, Dobro player Fred Travers, and guitarist Dudley Connell honor the tradition they’ve inherited by not trying to copy anyone, just being their own authentic selves, finding songs others might have missed, returning to old favorites, and always sounding like they’re having the time of their lives playing the music they love.
“A Good Time Man Like Me Ain’t Got No Business (Singin’ The Blues)” was recorded by songwriter Jim Croce 50 years ago, and when you hear it on this album it’s as if it was written specifically for the Seldom Scene treatment. Woody Guthrie’s “Hard Travelin’” and Bob Dylan’s “Walkin’ Down The Line” remind us that the arbitrary lines between folk, country, old-time and bluegrass are just that…arbitrary, a good song is a good song no matter where it came from.
The opening track is another great example of this “Last of the Steam Powered Trains” could have been a hit for any bluegrass band if they had bothered to look back to the Kinks albums from the late 60s. That’s a great example of The Seldom Scene tradition, they find the great songs others miss.An old favorite that comes back for an encore here is “White Line” first heard 50 years ago, delivered with subtle grace and soulful playing that brings just the perfect touch of sadness and beauty.
One tradition of The Scene is their interpretation of Bob Dylan’s surreal lyrics set to memorable melodies. On this album, which appears to be the last with Dudley Connell, it’s appropriate that he gets one more chance to sing the beautiful poetry of Dylan in a stunning rendition of “Farewell Angelina.” A musical ensemble that can evolve as The Seldom Scene has done, growing, changing and still remaining recognizable is a unique thing in the world of music, not just bluegrass but any genre. A new album that reminds us of that unique quality is always worth celebrating.
