While Resonance Records may be better known for its ability to find important vintage recordings by the likes of Wes Montgomery, Bill Evans or Charles Lloyd, they also do a yeoman’s job of bringing up modern sounds. This latest album by violinist Christian Howe is a case in point.
Howe boasts a warm tone and a vibrato that could fill the Grand Canyon. He delves into songs of Americana, ranging from classical to traditional to even America’s church, and along with JoshnNelson-Hamilton Hardin/key, Ben Williams/b and Greg Hutchinson/dr, he can make you feel like you’r e on the road with Charles Kuralt.
The rhythm team delivers a crisp cadence to an upbeat read of “Both Sides Now” and on his own title track, he weaves over the tricky percussion like a Marine jumping over a training course, with his pizzicato on “Amazing” teams up with Hardin’s Hammond for a smoky sauce. In the same vein, “Angela” is a gorgeous blend of strings and B3, while Williams’ funky bass on “ Just A Closer Walk” takes you to a stomping rural church. Polly Gibbons adds some earthy voice to “Shenandoah” and a sleek take of “”T’Aint Nobody’s Bizness” with Howe taking you from America’s main street to the back streets of downtown and down a rural road. Excellent journey!
Resonance Records