Listening: Band Of Joy

Band Of Joy by Robert Plant

Robert Plant’s ‘Band Of Joy’ album is inspired from the name of the first band he played in.  His main goal with this selection of songs was to recreate the musical styles he loved in the mid-60s.  This collection of folk, blues, celtic and rock tunes harkens back to his musical roots very effectively with production values that give it that ‘60s vibe while still sounding current and fresh. The Band Of Joy from the '60s and '70s included John Bonham, later a fellow band member of Led Zepplin, and Dave Pegg who later would be a member of Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull.

In this version of Band Of Joy Plant is joined by Patti Griffin on guitar and backing vocals, Byron House on bass, Darrell Scott plays acoustic guitars along with mandolin, pedal steel guitar. Mark Giovinno on drums and percussion along with Buddy Miller on guitars round out the band.

Band Of Joy starts off with an up-tempo groove and rumbling guitar work on ‘Angel Dance’.  The album is made up of twelve roots-based songs with it’s country-rock, bluesy and lo-fi sound.  Silver Rider is a nice slow rocker and pop rocker You Can't Find My Love could have been written in the 1960s. It all comes together with a cohesive, raw sound.

Since leaving Led Zeppelin, Plant has carved a unique place in music.  He has repeatedly released albums that are unique from one release to the next.  His three albums Mighty ReArranger, Raising Sand (with Alison Krause) and Band Of Joy showcase his versatility as an artist.

What I like about each Robert Plant album is that you never know what you are going to get.  Each release is unique and an adventure.  He easily could have continued his hard-rock career as a rock god but chose a much more interesting path.  His voice has only improved as he has aged and is much more expressive and emotional now than ever before.

Band Of Joy is a worthy addition to any music collection.

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