This 8th album follows 2018’s ‘Acres of Elbow Room’. Birthed in early pandemic days, random ideas coalesce into narratives of small victories earned through faith, resilience and humour, reaching beyond isolation to a shared sense of gratitude for what we have, and grief for what we’ve lost. Recorded remotely with intuitive accompaniment from Black Hen regulars Gary Craig (drums), Jeremy Holmes (bass) and Chris Gestrin (keyboards), memorable performances from producer Steve Dawson (guitar/strings) and John Prine alumnus, Fats Kaplin (mandolin, fiddle, banjo and accordion) add chemistry to the mix.
Long Haul is an album of very good songs. The title track is a reminder that there are no instant solutions in life. ‘Hurry Up Kid’ is a father’s exploration of the ephemeral nature of youth and the relentless passage of time. The sense of loss that tinges many of the tracks is uppermost in ‘Other Side of the Curve’. ‘Meat Draw’ and ‘Beautiful Mess’ a humorous duet with Shaela Miller fits comfortably alongside country classics like ‘Jackson’ or ‘In Spite of Ourselves’. Engagingly melodic, topical and enduring, Long Haul is a career defining work by an artist who has come into his own. Warm and spontaneous.