The 11 original songs on John Wort Hannam’s 8th album, Long Haul, share a sense of gratitude for what we have and grief for what we have lost. He starts with the title track, a celebration of his 20 plus years in the business and a timely reminder that there is no quick fix. It’s a comforting Country song with solid keyboard solos from Chris Gestrin matched by the slide guitar of Steve Dawson and Hannam’s smooth voice. His easy-going style and everyday tales make him a very approachable artist and on Hurry Up Kid he tells the tale of the aging process, wrapped up in his velvet vocal with beautiful harmony from Keri Latimer and T Buckley. Once again, Dawson’s slide is excellent. He ups the pace a little for Wonderful Things and in keeping with the title, the guitar is, well, wonderful. Its upbeat, homely feel gives a happy perspective on life for a change. The amusing duet, Beautiful Mess, which features Shaela Miller is like a modern-day Johnny and June with Dawson switching to pedal steel to give that Country feeling this time. Their harmonies are spot on and when you add superb fiddle from Fats Kaplan and guitar then it’s hard not to have a favourite on this album. The contemporary Country of Old Friend has him again in storytelling mode. It’s reflective but not sugary sweet and it’s a lovely song.
There’s not been a bad track so far and What I Know Now continues the hot streak. He just wraps you up and gives you a big hug and Dawson’s soaring guitar is something else. At first, the title Meat Draw is a bit strange until you discover that it’s a Friday night raffle for meat and dairy, something that often happens in many countries. The song itself is full of gentle, homely sounds and is a slice of old-style America. It’s back to the more contemporary, electric, urban sounds for Twilight Diner. It’s more up-tempo than many of the others and Dawson’s slide guitar is never far away from the action. In addition, the short, sharp solos on guitar and organ are nothing short of sublime. The sadness that many have felt over the past 20 months or so are encapsulated for many on the slow, acoustic led Other Side Of The Curve. This has more of those comforting sounds with harmony, fiddle and guitar just falling into place. I could listen to him for long stretches of the day. He proves again that he is a true storyteller with Round & Round. He’s firmly on the Country side of Americana but it doesn’t matter where he falls, it’s just wonderful music. It’s a quiet finish with Young At Heart, which has more of those wonderful harmonies, slick vocal, keyboards and steel guitar. It’s actually a lovely toast and could be used as part of a welcoming speech. Gary Craig and Jeremy Holmes (drums and bass) have been unobtrusive on the whole so far but are slightly more prominent here and well worth a mention.