High Wide And Handsome - The Charlie Poole Project
Proper Records.

In tribute to old-time musician, hard drinking womanising banjo act Charlie Poole, folk legend Loudon Wainwright (father of Rufus and Martha Wainwright —who are now both forging a career of their own) and former husband of Kate McGarrigle not only dips back in time for the songs on this album but along with songwriter-producer Dick Connette also written nine new songs to go with the twin CD set.

Wainwright, know for his humour and sometimes caustic wit has long since had the mark of genius has a wonderful voice for rambling ballads, and if he lived in another time he could well have been just like Charlie Poole. Who lived a fast and free life and by all accounts was cheated more ways than one out of his money would not have had to change much. However, Loudon has arguably gone on to form an even greater legacy. Few could embrace the music of Poole any finer than Loudon, although North East lad, Martin Stephenson now living way up at the top of Scotland did a superb job a few years ago when he headed a cast to act out on stage the life and times of Poole.

Helping out Wainwright on the project apart from Connette the likes of Chaim Tannenbaum, David Mansfield, Erik Friedlander, Rob Moose, Matt Munisteri are never far away, likewise Rufus, Martha, Lucy Wainwright Roche, David Roche, Suzzy, Terre and Maggie Roche and on ‘The Great Reaping Day’ Tannenbaum do himself and Poole justice as they add some choice vocals. Talking of which, Loudon is in great form on ‘No Knees’, a song that like his love ballad ‘Rowena’ and the title cut ‘High Wide And Lonesome’ tell much about an act who made a huge impression of Wainwright when he first started playing music 40 odd years ago.

Loudon’s as easy as an old shoe approach fits neatly alongside the pickers who, if not from the world of folk have jazz roots, and when he latches on to a melody to suit his vocal tone like Poole when he went his week or month long drinking binges he is unstoppable! Some of the instrumental work is quite smart too as mandolin ace Chris Tile lends his support on ‘Ragtime Annie’ with fiddler Dana Lyn and Rob Moose (rhythm guitar) it is one of many where the music that accompanies Wainwright is particularly melodic. The harmony vocal adorned ‘Old And Only In The Way’ for one is worthy of praise of a high order and nothing less.

Poole’s infamous rambling is highlighted on the delightful ‘Awful Hungry Hash House’ and what about the dobro, fiddle of Mansfield and banjo of Tannenbaum to go with the fantastic traditional lyrics where despite the hard times it relates it also contains some wonderful humour.  A one time moonshiner and an entertainer and, of whom Columbia records recognised his unique talent and paid him good money he influenced the likes of Wainwright, his then wife Kate McGarrigle and Tannenbaum to perform the ‘If I Lose’ along London’s Portobello Road. And how about ‘The Man Who Road The Mule’ as a memento of a man who defied logic and the rules of life for the thirty-nine years (1892-1931) he walked this earth.

www.thecharliepooleproject.com

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