CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com


Wise ole' sage (he's seventy-seven) and restless troubadour Ramblin' Jack Elliott has a new disc out titled A Stranger Here a ten song collection of Depression Era country blues songs. Friend to both Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, Elliott gets help on this one from guests and stellar session aces Van Dyke Parks and Greg Leisz along with David Hildago from Los Lobos. Recorded over four days the music recalls the sparse song arrangements of the original versions thanks to producer Joe Henry. The ominous and dour sounds of "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Grinnin' in Your Face" written by the Rev. Gary Davis and Son House respectively stand out here. Also check out "Rambler's Blues" written by Lonnie Johnson and "Falling Down Blues" penned by Furry Lewis. Check out www.ramblinjack.com and www.anti.com for more information about Ramblin' Jack Elliott and his latest release A Stranger Here.