Joel Harrison: Passing Train CD Release

Joel Harrison has a love of American music in all its forms as he made clear on his 2003 release, Free Country, which was named by many critics as one the best recordings of that year. Harrison continues on a similar musical path on Passing Train (Tuition/ Pure Land), with a collection of his own songs produced by Ben Wittman, which marks his eighth recording as a leader but his first as a full-time vocalist.

The band consists of Wittman, drums; Jamey Haddad, percussion; Henry Hey, accordion, organ, piano; Stephan Crump, acoustic bass; Greg Clark and Jen Chapin, guest vocalists; Chris Howes, violin. These percussive, atmospheric songs draw from deep roots: country, blues, gospel, jazz, New Orleans, and West African music all play a part. While thoroughly modern, they hearken back to artists like The Band, James Taylor, and Randy Newman. Harrison’s Passing Train includes a gorgeous but brutally stark evocation of a soldier’s trial after war “Glory Days Are Gone,” a riotous soul- rock anthem dedicated to novelist- prankster Ken Kesey, a lovely reflection on mortality “No One Knows How to Die,” as well as a classic, grooving road song “Travel On.” Several cuts feature ravishing vocal harmonies including the stirring track “Wash Away.” Somehow amidst the rubble of losers, regrets, and time run away, Passing Train manages to uplift. The album moves deep into twilight but doesn’t leave the listener in darkness. Harrison and his New York city mavericks create music of real emotion, lasting beauty, and visceral triumph.