Emmylou Harris Album: “Spyboy”

SPYBOY is a tremendous document of Emmylou Harris's musical journey with Buddy Miller, Daryl Johnson, and Brady Blade in the past two years on the momentum of her beautifully realized WRECKING BALL. She performs songs from throughout her career, the aching "Love Hurts" (a poignant duet with Miller) to the mad reverie of "Deeper Well." Of special note is Julie Miler's appearance on her own "All My Tears," a powerful gospel song with a drum beat that echoes the Cherokee tradition. Emmylou sounds wonderful, singing in her distinctive voice the pangs and joys of life. Buddy Miller, who produced this album and is a tremendous solo artist in his own right plays simply magificent guitar (I think only Richard Thompson would be able to show such range) and provides great harmonies to each song. And the rhythm section of Johnson and Blade is dynamic in the true sense of the word, bringing imagination and energy to each song-- Daniel Lanois' "The Maker" is a great example of their genius. In short, this is Emmylou at the heght of her powers, with a telepathic and exciting band playing memorable songs and having fun. For new fans and die-hard fans of this classy woman and her maverick sensibilities, this album is a must.

"Spyboy" is the name of the funky coutry-rock band that backs Emmylou Harris on this fine live album. The sound has much more in common with her recent Daniel Lanois collaboration "Wrecking Ball" than it does with her country roots. The musicians on the album are very good (especially crack guitarist Buddy Miller) and the surprise is that she allows them some solos and some instrumental jams. In between those tidbits, her voice is as strong as ever. Twenty-five years ago, this album probably would have found airplay on a mainstream rock radio stations next to songs by Jackson Browne and The Eagles. Fortunately, Emmylou is one artist who continues to insist upon challenging her audience.

The mark of a true legend is the refusal to accept the status quo. From Willie Nelson to Paul Simon to Tom Waits, truly brilliant artists keep on evolving and progressing throughout their career. Emmylou Harris undoubtedly falls into this camp. Through the decades, she's consistently challenged herself, both in terms of material and production, never playing it safe. Nothing exemplifies this more than WRECKING BALL her genre-defying collaboration with producer Daniel Lanois. Focusing on the progressive approach of that album, SPYBOY (also the name of Harris' touring band) presents the singer in a live situation, where her vocal gifts really shine.

Her small-but-powerful band is made up of some killer musicians. Guitarist Buddy Miller is a fine country singer-songwriter in his own right, with some great solo albums to his credit. His atmospheric, reverb-heavy guitar sound helps to define SPYBOY. The propulsive drumming of Brady Blade (brother of jazz drumming legend Brian Blade) is also key to the proceedings. What comes through most, naturally, is Harris' commitment to the material, and the enormous spiritual well upon which she draws to put her message across.

An absolutely masterful CD. Buddy Miller, Brady Blade and Daryl Johnson incinerate, and Emmy, well, she radiates. Brilliant singing and playing. I get goosebumps hearing this recording - "Where Will I Be", "Green Patures", heck, man, EVERY song. Buy the CD and turn it up.

It's been nearly four long years since Emmylou Harris released a CD -- by far, the longest gap in her recording career. (Less than two years went by between the death of Gram Parsons and "Pieces of the Sky.") So, on the one hand, it's easy to cheer the release of Spyboy, her debut CD on an indie label.

Still, it's disappointing that this long-awaited recording includes but one song that's new to the Emmylou repertoire. On previous live shots ("Last Date," "At the Ryman"), Emmylou focused on songs she had not previously committed to record. Not only does Spyboy cover old ground, three of the songs ("Deeper Well," "Where Will I Be," and "All My Tears") appeared on her most recent release. Another -- the a capella "Calling My Children Home" -- appeared on her last live record, and sounds virtually the same here.

That gripe notwithstanding, the material here is top-notch, and the band -- particularly the percussive groove laid down by Brady Blades -- is entertaining. She's been singing many of the songs here for nearly two decades. Still, it is good to hear "Wheels," "Tulsa Queen" and "My Songbird" with new life breathed into them.

For those of us who have spent much of the Internet age craving new Emmylou, this will have to suffice. Here's hoping her next projects -- rumored to include a CD of self-penned songs and a follow-up to Trio -- are not long in coming.......