Then last year I reviewed a Holmes Brother album, and, lo and behold, there was Levon and Amy Helm singing vocals on one song. The voice might have sounded a bit thin, and even rougher around the edges than ever before – but it still had the same character and emotional depth that I remembered from his days in The Band and his sporadic solo career. It was great to hear him again, but I still didn't think there would be an album forthcoming anytime soon.
Never have I been so glad to be wrong; Vanguard Records has just released Dirt Farmer, Levon's first disc since his diagnosis and treatment for his throat cancer in 1998. In honour, and probably with a whole bunch of gratitude, of being allowed to come back again to health and a career, he chose to make this disc in homage to the people who first got him interested in music – his parents.
Dirt Farmer is a mix of traditional songs that he learnt from them, given new arrangements by Mr. Helm, and original songs that are written by various friends which fit into the overall sound and feel of the disc. If there was ever any doubt about where The Band's Americana roots came from, a listen to this disc will dispel them. The roots of this disc run deeper into the soil of rural America then any old oak in the Appalachians.
A year ago when I heard Levon Helm sing, his voice was still a far cry from what it used to be when it was the power behind some of The Band's most potent songs. Truthfully, that hasn't changed any, but power isn't the only test of a singer's quality. Sometimes, what matters most is an ability to communicate with the listener in as honest a manner as possible. Given the nature of the music that's being played on Dirt Farmer, that ability is by far a greater asset than being able to break the sound barrier.
Levon Helm has always had an incredibly expressive voice, and on Dirt Farmer that comes to forefront. Maybe it's in compensation for his lack of volume, but I think it was always there and he's now trusting in its ability to carry a song. However you want to look at it, the result is the same – wonderfully sung renditions of emotionally powerful songs by one of the most distinctive voices in popular music.
Article comments
1 - J Shaw
I do not think Levon Helm "wrote" The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down. Robbie Robertson did. But Levon sang the great lead vocal.
2 - James R.
Yeah, it was Robertson who wrote it, but regardless i'm psyched to hear this record. I have so much respect for Levon and what he contributes to the music scene. If you havent been to a Ramble, do yourself a favor and take a weekend off. You will understand what people mean when they say "the house was on fire!"
3 - Pete
Having just seen Levon perform a couple of weeks back at his barn in NY, all I can say is he's back! I love the man's voice... a little thinner then in his days with The Band; but honest and with a smile. I have Dirt Farmer... got it early at his barn. Wonderful!
4 - Evo
I think that this album pretty much proved (if we ever doubted) who was the grit and soul in "The Band". Sure, Big Pink and the other greats were collaborative efforts but listen to Dirt Farmer and go back to the old stuff. Levon's stamp is all over it.
Here's a good article written by a Levon Helm fan that I came up on that you all might enjoy.
5 - Mike
Have always loved Levon Helm, as drummer, singer, & film actor. Kinda wish Richard Markus could have written his Dirt Farmer review without slagging Rick Danko or his "Ontario accent". The Band was a majestic thing to behold during its heyday, and Levon, Garth, Robbie, Rick & Richard will always be a favorite of both Americans and Canadians, not to mention fans all over the world.
6 - Chris Eldridge
Wow! What a great album. I've only had it a few days, but haven't taken it out of my truck yet. I lisren to it on the way to work and on the way home. I have to learn all the songs. The stories and emotions that Levon sings about feel so real. It's been a long time since I've been this moved a an album. I am forever indebted to my friend Tom for turning me on to this recording. I didn't know that Levon was even working on an album. The last I had heard, Levon had been diagnosed with cancer. I'm glad beyond measure that he's recovered and made this fine, fine album.
I'm sorry I've rambled on so much. I tend to do that when I get worked up.
7 - Bob
Simply. Levon Helm is one of the greatest, living,exponents of Roots/Americana music. This guy is a National treasure and its great to see him finally getting the recognition he deserves.