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Jimmy LaFave - Cimarron Manifesto
Austin based singer/songwriter Jimmy LaFave has quietly put out 6 previous albums, while none of them have had a huge profile, he has picked up a significant number of admirers along the way with his distinct blend of country, folk and blues. This new disc is his most complete album yet, and is destined to bring him to a much wider audience.
The honesty and grit in both his songwriting and vocals has always been striking, but on ‘Cimarron Manifesto’ it’s even more obvious; the songs here draw much of their inspiration and imagery from the region around the Cimarron River (New Mexico/Oklahoma) and the changing cultural landscape of the US is tackled head-on in many of the cuts.
Not only do the lyrics evoke the red-dirt tracks of the region, the superb band paint a clear sonic landscape throughout the disc – Andrew Hardin, Jeff Plankenhorn, Radoslav Lorkovic and Carrie Rodriguez are amongst the musicians providing the backing. Lorkovic’s Hammond B3 is the backbone of the disc, and the various guitars and lap steel provide the colour that so vividly places this album in the Mid West.
Throughout the album LaFave really makes a connection with the listener, the lyrics are thoughtful but frank, the backing pitched at the perfect level and the vocals honest with a ‘well travelled’ feel; add these together and the whole is captivating – it’s an album that feels comfortable from the first listen through.
The disc is littered with excellent tracks which include the opener ‘Car Outside’ with excellent harmony vocals from Kacy Crowley and ‘Hideaway Girl which features violin and vocals from Carrie Rodriguez.
‘Cimarron Manifesto’ has a natural feel, there’s nothing forced about it and the honesty in the lyrics, vocals and arrangements shine through to make this a unique disc and one that stands as the current high point in LaFave’s catalogue.
LAFAVE JIMMY - CIMARRON MANIFESTO
Lafave Jimmy
CD (Cat No: 13240)
LAFAVE JIMMY - CIMARRON MANIFESTO
