A Stranger Here

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott (born Elliott Charles Adnopoz) may have reinvented himself years ago as a musical outlaw from a time long forgotten But at 77, Elliott is an indisputable elder statesmen and has earned the right to sing the Depression-era country blues of his heroes, and he does so with force and authority. Son House, Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Willie Johnson, Charley Patton, and Mississippi John Hurt are brought to new life with the gentle, sensitive touch of producer Joe Henry ushering in a sympathetic session crew that includes Los Lobos’ guitarist David Hidalgo, pianist Van Dyke Parks, and drummer Jay Bellerose. There are no out of place solo spotlights, just tight, concise arrangements that deliver the doom and gloom of “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” and “Falling Down Blues” and the pleading sorrow of “Please Remember Me” with an authenticity that simply comes from years of touring, playing and living. No new car smell here. This is music that’s been lived in.