Way Of The World, The

MOSE ALLISON: The Way of the World
Anti-, 2010

JAZZ/BLUES – A true American original (now in his 80s), the brilliant singer/songwriter Mose Allison returns to the studio for the first time in over a decade and shows his unique blend of swinging jazz, old-school blues, and wry social commentary remains undimmed. Great new tunes rendered in his inimitable style: funny, thought-provoking, classic.

* * * * * | Try any track! Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9

1. 2:59 – humorous tune about aging, a takeoff on Little Walter’s “My Babe”
2. 3:29 – easy tempo old-time thump, back-porch feel and pure Mose lyrics
3. 2:58 – cute, silly love song, sort of a waltz with a loose, tipsy sound
4. 2:31 – moody and slow, great atmospheric percussion, serious lyrics
5. 2:29 – humorous solo ditty: let’s give religion a rest for a while
6. 2:55 – jazz instrumental: lopsided intro, then a chugging machine
7. 2:49 – Roosevelt Sykes country blues stomp, great lyrics, nice solo breaks
8. 2:50 – relaxed, bluesy ballad; truth-telling lyrics and lumpy shuffle rhythm
9. 3:20 – easy swinging tune, live-and-let-live lyrics, breezy sax
10. 3:32 – standard ballad, has an endearing goofiness when Mose sings it
11. 3:12 – Loudon Wainwright II breakup song: a lazy, sassy stomp
12. 2:08 – odd vocal duet with nasal-voiced Amy Allison

[ Fo ] 03/28/10