Justin Townes Earle seems like a man full of contradictions. His well-publicized public battles with addictions are at odds with his serious, thoughtful comments about his music. Although the music of the son of the legendary artist Steve Earle flies below the radar, he might become a musical force in his own time.
“We are very private with our recording sessions,” Earle said of his latest album, “Harlem River Blues.” “We will only have a few really best friends, and I especially want to keep the control room clear. If you have a bunch of guys in there and throw in a bunch of girls, you can create a problem really fast.”
| Onstage |
| Justin Townes Earle |
| When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday |
| Where: Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria |
| Info: $25; ticketmaster.com; 202-397-SEAT |
Instead Earle’s latest recording session created arguably his richest, most nuanced album ever. That can’t be easy. No matter how much Steve Earle supports his son’s music, the younger Earle is obviously followed by a very long shadow.
As various critics have noted, Earle seems to step well beyond his heritage with the 11 tracks on “Harlem River Blues.” The sound moves from rockabilly to pure roots to more than a few hints of classic country. What sets Earle’s songs apart from others who’ve tried to produce such an eclectic mix is that these songs are all standouts.
You can credit his rich lyrics, his commitment to musical experimentation, his incredible band or the co-production magic he created with Skylar Wilson. Whatever you choose, the album and recent concerts are a celebration of Americana, roots and alt-country complete with everything from electric guitar (including that played by guest Jason Isbell), pedal steel and bass lines.
“Country music is in a strange place right now,” he said. “I am hearing a lot of good stuff [on the radio and other outlets] but not a lot of great country.”
Although Earle doesn’t shy away from an alt-country tag, he also isn’t afraid to talk about where his current musical interests will lead him.
“I am really leaning on the gospel and blues thing again,” he said. “I am actually going to put together a band, me and a bass player and some drums. I’ll play electric guitar and we’ll amp it up a bit.”
For now, though, Earle is completely immersed in wringing the beauty out of his current recordings, including “Harlem River Blues,” which has a very strong live feel.
“When we recorded, we had everybody in one big room, an old-fashioned recording session,” he said. “I just thought it would be fun and I knew it was something we were capable of doing. Why not?”
Why not, indeed?
