Patty Griffin
American Kid
New West records ****
Any jazz singer worth their salt could cover just about any track on American Kid, Patty Griffin’s latest. Why? Well, with the exception of ‘Go Wherever You Wanna Go’ they all have that indefinable thing that connects no matter the musical genre. Come to think of it listen to the beginning of ‘Wild Old Dog’ and listen to the beginning of ‘Cyprus Avenue’, on Astral Weeks, and draw your own conclusions. Genres melt. Last year Bettye LaVette, who can cover Van Morrison songs better than most, did everyone a favour by doing a Detroit soul version of Griffin’s ‘Time Will Do the Talking’ from Living with Ghosts, Griffin’s 1996 debut. Recorded in Memphis with North Mississippi Allstars guitarist Luther Dickinson and drummer Cody Dickinson, every song has its merits and quite a few (‘Ohio’, ‘Wild Old Dog’ and ‘Not a Bad Man’ primarily) have “instant classic" written all over them. ‘Irish Boy’ has a very pretty melody and is quite sad as is the more mannered ‘Gonna Miss You When You’re Gone’; while ‘Get Ready Marie’ is a bar-room belter of some quality. Robert Plant Band of Joy fans see Griffin as family, and his appearance on three songs with his partner, only intensifies that process. The sheer quality of this album will only further increase their affection for Griffin.
Released on 13 May.

Patty Griffin tours in July. Dates are Sage, Gateshead, 19 July; Concert Hall, Perth (21 July), Stables, Milton Keynes (23 July); Glee Club, Birmingham (24 July); Union Chapel, London (25 July); and Cambridge Folk Festival, Cambridge (26 July).