Karl Blau, Keeping It Country

Got a pile of CDs in the post from The Crafty Crailler, but can't get past the first one, Introducing Karl Blau, a country soul gem from the Washington state artist who has been around for some time but still is unjustly undiscovered, hence the title.  Ten country covers produced by Tucker Martine   , one a cover of his father's songs alongside evergreens like No Regrets and To Love Somebody (To follow in Scott Walker's, Al Green's and the Bee Gees footsteps takes bottle and talent).  Karl's lugubrious voice is tailor made for country and he sings these songs the only way you can - straight.

I was taken immediately by "That's How I got to Memphis", a Tom T Hall song  that Bobby Bare had a hit on, but I've included the video for "Fallin Rain", a Link Wray song.  Karl's version reminds me of Dan Penn's classic mid 70's album, Nobody's Fool, and there is no higher praise.  The video also features Kyle Fields, who performs as Little Wings, and is also blessed with a deep bronze voice.  Here's a link to a version he did of Van Morrison's When The Leaves Come Fallin' Down, cut for Aquarium Drunkard's Lagniappe Sessions series, which shares a similar autumnal pantheism.