On their debut full-length, Portland, OR, trio Clampitt, Gaddis & Buck wear their folk and country influences proudly on their sleeves. Erik Clampitt's easy vocals highlight the opening track, "Long Train," as Buck Dagger impresses on bass and mandolin. Marley Gaddis makes her first appearance on vocals on the album's second song, "Homeward Track," which again features Clampitt's rootsy guitar and harmonica, and the introduction of Buck Dagger's baritone vocals. The bare-bones musical recipe continues with the haunting "Midnight Train," as the trio's harmonies add to the already powerful swell of the band's bluegrass foundation. Their gospel roots are apparent on "Judgement Day," a simple, straightforward anthem. "High Lonesome Sound" is quite possibly the disc's high watermark, as the threesome relaxes and lets loose on the Gaddis/Clampitt original, reverting back to a casual yet powerful approach. The band covers the American roots classic "In the Pines" on the eighth track, reveling in a cappella harmony. The disc comes to a close with the steady "Don't Laugh," another wholesome and refreshing example of the power of straightforward Americana. Nine Tracks was recorded at Type Foundry Studio and the Alberta Music Collective in Portland in 2003, and was released on Lelp Recordings in early 2004. Matt Stark and Jennifer Stefanick make guest appearances on four songs.
© Stephen Cramer /TiVo