1. Listening To Levon
2. The Calling (Charlie Christianís Tune)
3. Dance Back From The Grave
4. If I Were An Angel
5. Let Me Be Your Witness
6. Live Out The String
7. Giving Up The Ghost
8. Join The Parade
9. My Sanctuary
10. Life Goes On
Total time: 47:04
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Join the Parade
Marc Cohn
Decca
"Listening to Levon" refers to Levon Helm, but with few exceptions, Cohn's new album does not sound like The Band. It's still gospel meets Memphis, despite the 10-year lapse since his last studio effort. Of course, getting shot in the head during a random attempted carjacking two years ago undoubtedly interrupted his creativity.
At any rate, the singer-songwriter-pianist is back in the groove, and with a rougher sound – so much so, that it takes a few listens to understand the method to his madness. Helping achieve this is co-producer Charlie Sexton, whose beautifully understated guitar work throughout lends an almost avant-garde edge.
The Hurricane Katrina-inspired "Dance Back From the Grave" recalls Robbie Robertson's "Somewhere Down the Crazy River," with its spoken-word vocals and raw percussion; in fact, percussion is a big part of the album's sound, with many tracks featuring both Jay Bellerose and Jim Keltner.
Cohn's vocals get a soul/R&B workout on "If I Were an Angel" and "Let Me Be Your Witness," two songs one easily could imagine John Hiatt singing. "The Calling" has some tasty muted trumpet, courtesy Ephraim Owens. "Giving Up the Ghost" contains suitably spooky atmospherics. And the title track's Garth Hudson-like keyboards point out how much it sounds like a Band song, with a melody worthy of Rick Danko's vocals.
Benmont Tench plays organ on four tracks, including the introspective "Live Out the String," in which Cohn ponders the second chance he received after the Denver shooting. The Holmes Brothers sing background on two tracks, as does Shelby Lynne. Other guests include Helm's daughter, Amy, and Danny Kortchmar.
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