Jackdaw
Jackdaw: BlackGrass
BlackJack, JackRock, JackGrass, BlackRock . . . BlackGrass. This IS Jackdaw.
Jackdaw released their 14 track CD, entitled, Blackgrass, in a tri-fold pocket emblazoned with compilations of bass beats put to lyrics formulated from heart break, love lost and found. Blackgrass is a stark re visitation that pays homage to the innermost root of all genres of music. The title stands alone, as does each member of Jackdaw; in defining exactly what occurs when Rock meets Folk then stumbles upon Blues.
Each CD bears a sticker on the front, similar to that of a liquor bottle seal, as in aged Scotch or fine wine. The stickers bear lyrics, each CD completely singular. Inside, there are pieces to each of them in poetics, photography, artwork and design. Holding Blackgrass in your palms and having to tear that sticker is bittersweet, yet every second worth it.
Jackdaw consists of: Tim Byrne, lead/backing vocals, guitars, mandolin, banjo and piano, Joe Davies, fiddle virtuoso, Tommy Jordon, lead/backing vocals and bass, David, A. Moore, lead/backing vocals, accordion, English concertina, button box, uillean/highland pipes, hurdy gurdy and tin whistles and George Tutuska, lead vocals and percussion. This congregation of artists leaves it entirely up to the listener to decide who is singing, who is playing, and who has written lyrics. As always, Jackdaw leaves you searching, wondering, wanting more.
Every track on Blackgrass is different than the last. Each member of Jackdaw prominent in their playing with George and Tommy keeping time in the background, David on the sideline harmonizing instrumental as Tim's guitar screams while Joe brings them full circle with his fiddle, altogether vocalizing becoming whole.
"Everything Seems So Damn Simple" is quick and upbeat speaking of life and survival, how one can feel comfort until left alone while "Dance" leads you down into a cavern branded with an eclectic mix of instrumentals and vocals with a funky 80's beat melded with a 70's discotheque sound. "Bye Bye Lust", musically is a feel good song, one to keep you moving, yet lyrically this is a goodbye, a turn around. Change.
"Annelise" is where you can catch Joe and his fiddle creating beautiful hurt. This song is a wish for the one in front of you to be the one that you love. "Galway Girl" is Jackdaw's rendition of Steve Earle's original and they took this tune and made it their own. It will get you reeling and dancing, singing along with a "hey ahh hey ahhh ayeee". Positive and uplifting, lyrically, it speaks of the beauty and heartbreak of Galway.
"Shout Out At Me" is a call for one to stop, take notice and listen while "Bombshelle" will cause you to open your mouth and shout out, "She's A Bombshelle!"
"Supersize" is a nice surprise, bringing you right back to that 70's hard rock sound with a solitary message of: This is who I am and too bad if you don't like it while Spaghetti Western places you right into a country western flick filtered with bluegrass, rock and roll and bell tolls led by guitar and fiddle. Every song on this CD is a gem, yet one does indeed stand out from the rest.
"Shiny Black With Rain", musically and lyrically is Jackdaw coming together as one. The rain and thunder effect mixed with a sole pianist sets you up for astounding harmonies and instrumentals. This tune is poetic in nature sending a message of that one true love you were lucky enough to find, experience, realize, almost lose, rediscover, and somehow, still have in your possession. This song is so beautifully mastered; you can picture a story unfolding before your eyes while listening. It is, life itself, unwinding in vocals, whistles, fiddle, guitar, bass, drums, with all of Jackdaw contributing to a musical masterpiece. It leaves one with the need to hold your palm out to say, I understand.
Jackdaw has won numerous awards eight years and counting, along with graphic design for their CDS and posters. The essential way to get the best out of Jackdaw is to see them live, which I refer to as The Jackdaw Experience. Every show is a roller coaster ride, each song played a bit differently and when the last note is heard for the night, they leave you wishing they would never stop playing. Each member of Jackdaw is an artist in their own right and onstage they are, by far, the best band this generation will see.
To get a hold of Blackgrass, because you MUST, visit:
www.myspace.com/jackdaw716
Jackdaw takes you right along with them on their bus, The Black Moriah, for the ride of your life that bears the name of Blackgrass. After you break open the label on the front, pop out the red and black CD. Hiding behind it is a simple statement that packs a punch:
You are listening to BLACKGRASS by JACKDAW. Everything Will Change.
And it does. Trust me.
Review by Susan Marie
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