American Joe Henry divides his time between producing living legends like Solomon Burke, Allen Toussaint and Ramblin 'Jack Elliot, and making his own records. In a subtle way he knows how to mix American roots music such as country, folk and rhythm 'n' blues with personal, intimate songs. Almost needless to say that his transparent production work and choice of supervisors play important roles in
… this. Guitarist Marc Ribot, for example, plays an important role on Blood From Stars with his traditional and inventive playing. Compared to previous albums, Henry this time opted for a more uniform repertoire, drawing mainly on the show blues and jazz of the early twentieth century with names such as Fats Waller and Bessie Smith. The piano plays an important role in this and Henry's vocals also sound more prominent than before. There he is somewhat disappointed with a somewhat wailing voice, like the lamented Willy Deville on a diet of vegetables and herbal tea. Henry especially lacks the soul and the empathy to carry this repertoire, with which the neatly arranged Blood From Stars feels a bit too much like a study. (MR)more
