Pokey LaFarge
Something in the Water (Rounder)
Reviewed by Doug Freeman, Fri., April 17, 2015
Pokey LaFarge
Something in the Water (Rounder)Pokey LaFarge is a man out of time. Behind his nasally warble, the songwriter born Andrew Heissler cuts originals with an ear tuned to the first part of the 20th century, a palette of early jazz, Western swing, pre-war blues, and honky-tonk that explodes remarkably authentic and diverse. Making his Rounder debut following a string of self-releases and breakout on Jack White's Third Man Records with an eponymous 2013 LP, the St. Louis-based alchemist re-invigorates contemporary Americana. Production rings crisp as the title track jolts at the outset with a speakeasy strut that turns to jumping jive on "Wanna Be Your Man," while chugging percussion and horns drive "Underground." Deep-digging takes on "When Did You Leave Heaven" and "All Night Long" situate seamlessly with LaFarge's own tunes, best on the gypsy klezmer of "Goodbye. Barcelona" and closing jazz swagger of "Knocking the Dust off the Rust Belt Tonight." (Sat., 1:25pm, SouthStar stage)
