Vol. 2 Yet and Still
Dick Connette’s latest, Vol. 2 from his Too Sad for the Public project, is tellingly titled Yet and Still. That African-American locution, meaning “even so,” has been used in the blues as a poetic conjunction, a bridge from what was to what is. And that spirit is exactly what animates the deep roots of Connette’s music and lyrics. He calls this work song-stirring, taking American folk, breaking it down and shaking it up, finding new life among its most cherished traditions. Ana Egge does most of the singing, but there are also feature leads from Chaim Tannenbaum (Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Loudon Wainwright III) and Rayna Gellert (Uncle Earl, Joachim Cooder). Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche sing backup on a couple numbers. The music covers a lot of ground, from Appalachian fiddle camp meeting to trombone shout choir, marching bands, and the second line sounds of New Orleans. Steven Bernstein (Levon Helm, Rufus Wainwright), Steve Elson (Gov’t Mule, David Bowie), and Dan Levine (They Might Be Giants, David Byrne) wrote horn arrangements. Rob Moose (Paul Simon, Phoebe Bridgers) makes a special appearance, playing all the instruments on a piece Dick set for traditional bluegrass ensemble. Over the years Connette has made particular study of blues guitar styles, and the album recasts the work of classic practitioners Elizabeth Cotten (“Shake Sugaree”) and Etta Baker (“Railroad Bill”). Taken altogether Yet and Still delivers a panorama of American musical styles, filtered and freshly imagined.
Release date: July 28, 2023