Allowing all of it to come together is Big Daddy, the Man with the Plan. Maybe it’s those 50-some years of jazz that made Charlie such a generous supporting player. He seems content to remain in the background, giving the rest of this diverse and well-rounded cast the chance to take center stage throughout most of the album, which clocks in at a hefty 1 hour, 14 minutes. Talk about unselfish.
There are 19 songs, all worth hearing, and he plays bass on almost every one. And while his presence is felt on “Is This America? (Katrina 2005),” the wrenching instrumental duet with Metheny, and on the opening notes of “20/20 Vision,” he doesn’t completely take over the proceedings until the heartfelt climax.
A scratchy recording of the Haden Family’s KMA Radio show in Shenandoah, Iowa, introduces us to the “little 2-year-old yodelin’ cowboy, Charles Edward,” the youngest of Carl and Virginia’s four children who indeed yodels enthusiastically through “Row Us Over the Tide.”
It carries us into the present, with 71-year-old Charlie, whose singing career ended when he contracted polio at the age of 15, sounding uneasy but wistful on the concluding “Oh Shenandoah.”
This album is truly a gift, providing a touching tribute to those from his past and a lasting legacy for those fortunate to have known and loved him. Curious newcomers seeking a little country comfort are assured a glimpse into yesteryear, for this is one amazing and satisfying personal musical journey.
In late August, Haden brought “Family & Friends” with him to New York, where they played a concert in the park for free. Maybe he should consider taking this show on the road. If the Carters were country music’s First Family, the Hadens could be America’s Latest and Greatest.
And that’s no joke.
Extras
• See a video of the Haden family discussing the project on the Charlie Haden family and Friends website.
• Go to Decca Records to listen to the entire album and vote on your favorite song.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
nice review michael. i agree, this is a tremendous record...and to my ears seems to get better on repeat listens.
2 - Michael
Thanks for the comments, Mark. I didn't really know what to expect before I heard the record, but was pleasantly surprised.
3 - carmen
Great review. I can't wait to listen to this. For a family to have so much talent, and for some to play with Townsend and Rundgren is amazing.
4 - Jim
So...my main contention with your review is that the only mention of Josh Haden is that his sister saw him "play in bands" and decided it was something she wanted to do. Josh's main project, Spain, was downright amazing. In fact, when the Haden Family performed on Letterman last week... they sang Josh's song, Spiritual. And yes, that was Josh on lead vocals...