Rod Picott 'Welding Burns' Self-Release

 

As the title suggests Rod Picott gets under the skin of the working man. He sees the ingrained dirt, he feels their need to work and understands their despair when they, for whatever reason, can't. On his latest album he has assembled a group of working men, musical craftsmen (and women) to bring these songs to life. They live and they breathe. They also make a strong testament about people and place and the times we live in. How values have changed and much that is decent has been lost. Picott's gift is to take us into this world and make us welcome through his memorable songs and his world weary but hopeful voice. Picott has produced the album with David Henry who plays B3 organ and mandolin on the album alongside such gifted team players as Will Kimbrough, Paul Griffith, Lorne Rall and Amanda Shires on fiddle and vocals. The songs flow and they make you feel good, from the title song's evocation of a father's life and how it follows through to further generations. Then there's 410 another tale of where unemployment might lead in more desperate times. But, of course, alongside the songs of blue collar days there are those of lonesome nights and lost chances. Songs like Jealous Heart and Still I Want You Bad tell of disfunction, distance and deep feelings. The album closes with hen My Running Is Through a promise to someday settle down. But when your making music this good one can only hope that it won't be for a longtime yet. Picott's fans mention him along side Woody Gutrhrie and Bruce Springsteen and his ethos is well placed beside such illustrious names. But in the end it comes down to the work you put in and Rod Picott has toiled well and Welding Burns should soon be making its mark on any listener's heart with its rooted, real and soulful Americana.