When songs are credited as traditional within the liner notes of an album, it means the tune was published in the United States before 1923 and exists as part of the public domain. Such songs are considered copyright-free works that can be recorded and sold without permission or fee. Guy Blakeslee, singer and guitarist of Entrance, interprets "Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor", "Honey in the Rock" and "Darling" with such sensitivity and thoughtful phrasing, it begs the question why more musicians don’t delve deeper into the vaults of great American music for more of these obvious gems. It’s damn affirming to find a young artist signed to the most progressive modern blues label, Fat Possum, giving a twenty-first century sound to original folk-blues songs that fit seamlessly alongside well-established ballads.
Giving nods to Tampa Red, Robert Johnson and Blind Willie McTell,among a host of other blues luminaries, Blakeslee knows his musical lineage well. The opening track alone, "Train is Leaving", could easily have been penned decades ago (perhaps when the train was a more relevant means of conveyance), by a forlorn traveler exploring the same timeless themes of wanderlust and hopes for something better further on down the line.
Entrance uses a refreshingly stripped-down approach to recording, relying on simple rhythms and slick guitar licks to get a devastatingly raw, honest sound. A stunning element that elevates the music above so many other bland blues interpretations is the inclusion of Paz Lenchantin, who adds, most notably, some haunting fiddle and piano work on Townes Van Zandt’s "Rex’s Blues". "Lonesome Road" further explores with a down tempo rhythm the interplay between Blakeslee‚s alarming vocal delivery, fuzz-packed guitar work and more ghostly bow arrangements, reminiscent of John Cale’s eerie explorations with the Velvet Underground.
Blakeslee never limits his voice long enough to stay in key when the given song demands a quivering tremolo or ghastly moan. "Please Be Careful in New Orleans" is more a threat than a warning, as Blakeslee literally wails through a blistering commentary on the city that will forever ride the hot breath of the Mississippi, churning out tales of woe amidst an atmospheric decay.
Wandering Stranger finishes with "Happy Trails", a rousing instrumental that should satisfy delta blues enthusiasts and fans of psychedelic guitar effects. Considering Guy Blakeslee is a mere 23 years old, we can expect a mountain more of good things to come from this heir to the flame. |