Seattle, USA-based stalwarts Marley’s Ghost celebrated 40 years of being a band in March. Now, they’re back with a new album, Honky Tonk.
By Graeme Smith
“It is, and always has been, about the music,” Marley’s Ghost’s bassist, fiddler, guitarist, singer, and chief songwriter Dan Wheetman says. “That’s what’s kept this band going for so long. It’s always been about digging a little deeper, honing our skills and celebrating the entire playing process. That drives us forward.”
Over their lengthy career, the band have been known as genre hoppers, exploring all the various avenues of traditional Americana. As its name suggests, Honky Tonk is not a genre blending effort, rather a deep dive into the niche style that pairs bluesy lyrics with dance rhythms.
Produced by Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm), the album brings together some of the most beloved examples of the genre, cherishing a sound that is distinctly American.
The work of Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, and more are honoured in Honky Tonk. Their tales are reborn through Marley’s Ghost’s distinct flair and a chemistry that has been developed over decades. For those of us not too steeped in the genre, it’s an opportunity to discover the stories anew.
Each are delivered through smooth vocals, punchy instrumentals, and credence to some solid lyricism. There are lowdown bluesy moments, such as the beautiful harmonies of Just Someone I Used To Know (originally sung by Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton) and these are contrasted nicely by honky tonk’s dancefloor numbers, such as final highlight Birmingham Bounce.
Wheetman singles out Slowly (I’m Falling) as a personal favourite. “You just want to grab your good girl and slide around the floor,” he says. There’s plenty more like that for lovers of the genre.
For me, as someone who hadn’t spared honky tonk much thought, I found Marley’s Ghost’s new album a surprise joy. It’s a cliché to say that they ‘don’t write them like they used to’ but it’s true. The stories on Honky Tonk are full of pathos, drama, humour, laments, and exultations of the human condition. Marley’s Ghost infuse them all with energy and the experience only a 40-year career can bring.
If you want to keep up to date with all Marley’s Ghost are doing, you can by heading to their website, and by following them on Facebook and Instagram
Honky Tonk is out now, and you can give it a listen below.