„Beware of Worthless Imitations, Volume 1“ is not a exactly a new release. First of all because it was already released in 2020 (we received a promo copy not until recently) and secondly because it is a compilation of old material, spanning the years 1999 until 2019. Jeffrey Halford is a Texas born but California raised singer, musician, and songwriter who has criss-crossed the United States with his band, the Healers, for more than 20 years now. This “Best of” album not only promises to include “songs that had the magic” – it does have the magic.
With a voice reminiscent of Hank Williams III and a style that is a cross-over between Williams and Shooter Jennings, Halford is right on point with his Americana, country-rock style. The opening track “Bad Luck” is a killer and sets the right tone for the album. “Creole Moon” and “Radio Flyer” (the latter featuring Chuck Prophet) are of more staid nature but quite enjoyable. Noteworthy, the music sounds authentic and “live” on all tracks.
More highlights on the 20 track CD include the bluesy “Satchel’s Fastball” (a collaboration with the Gospel Hummingbird), “Watching the Trains” featuring great electric steel guitar work, “In a Dream” (dominated by an organ played by no other than Augie Meyers of Sir Douglas Quintet and Texas Tornados fame), “Rainmaker” with an Doors-like intro, “North Beach” or the western-flavored “Deeper Than Hell”.
This is a great album for Americana fans and highly recommended!
No comments:
Post a Comment