The New York Times called Buffalo, New York born Willie Nile “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.” Uncut Magazine called him “A one-man Clash” and “the unofficial poet laureate of New York City.” This legendary septuagenarian releases his twenty first long player `The Great Yellow Light` this month. The album title is a reference to “Vincent Van Gogh’s letters to his brother, Theo, and the light that inspired him in Arles, France where he lived from February 1888 to May 1889”.
Willie was joined in the studio by his core band Jimi Bones (electric & acoustic guitars, backing vocals), Johnny Pisano (bass, backing vocals) and Jon Weber (drums) with Willie providing lead vocals, electric guitar and piano himself.
`Wild Wild World` leads us in and it a raucous slice of rock n roll with some cracking organ hues reminiscent of an ice rink or baseball park. A reflection on world issues such as climate change and issues much closer to home. A number that`s full of hooks that draw you in and a real foot tapper to kick off on. A drum resonance leads us into `We Are, We Are` an anthemic singalong, a call to arms to address the planets problems as Helen Keller famously said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Get onboard.
`Electrify Me` is a sort of Joe Strummer thumper ala `Clash City Rockers`, “A raucous punk howl. Passion and compassion lives and is worth fighting for.” is how the singer describes it and who am I to disagree. If you wanted an exalted and celebrated Irishman to join you on a Celtic lament, I can`t think of anybody better than Ulsterman Paul Brady, a hero of mine and one time member of folk group Planxty. `An Irish Goodbye` has uilleann pipes and a tin whistle with Brady`s lilting vocals complementing Nile`s gruffness. Raise a glass and say `Slàinte`.
Title track `The Great Yellow Light` is wonderfully expansive with a rolling drumbeat, reflective vocal delivery, and an understated guitar riff. The kind of song that you just have to stop what you`re doing and really listen to, wonderful, especially as it fades at the end. We have an amusing light-hearted country ditty with `Tryin` To Make A Livin` In The U.S.A.` with an accordion as well. A number that`ll have you singing along.
`Fall On Me` is delightfully introspective, a reaffirmation that you`re there to support, encourage, give strength and help, especially during hard and difficult times, a reiteration of enduring friendship . Initially `What Color is Love` is stripped back with piano and vocals before the band join to flesh out this contemplative submission.
`Wake Up America` described by the artist as “a call out to our better angels. Even though the history of America is riddled with pain and injustice and the divisions between us are greater than ever, I refuse to give in. I know we can do better than this. Heartfelt thanks to Steve for bringing his beautiful ragged, gritty, streetwise voice to it.” It`s a rallying call against the current incumbent administration and Steve Earle is the perfect foil to call on. The final offering `Washington’s Day` portrays, “Romeo and Juliet in Arlington National Cemetery. A prayer for hope, compassion, liberty, and a better world for all mankind,” according to Nile. A real tearjerker to end on and one to leave us all in contemplation on what is really important in life.
Willie Nile is the calibre of artist who can call on some gifted musicians to help out which he does on this release with The Hooters’ Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian on keys and strings respectively, Black 47 members Larry Kirwan, Fred Parcells, and Chris Byrne and legendary sidemen Waddy Wachtel and David Mansfield.
I really loved `The Great Yellow Light` and with the colour yellow generally signifying happiness, optimism, and energy, all three and more were covered throughout this offering. An album that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe leave you with some food for thought.
I read a quote somewhere that said, “Jersey has Bruce Springsteen, but New York has Willie Nile”.
Vive Le Rock, Vive Willie Nile.
Rating 9/10
