Roots

This weeks roots music CDs reviewed

JAMES MCMURTRY
Just Us Kids Blue Rose****

As we head into the (hopefully) brave new world of the Obama era, we will do well to remember exactly what we are (hopefully) leaving behind. Texan singer- songwriter James McMurtry has got a very clear rearview mirror. When he looks back he sees a society blighted by political cynicism, opportunism, war, drugs, greed and inequality. But when he writes and sings about these issues, he manages to colour them with various shades of rock and roots excellence that might have even George W's boots tapping. There is a muscular gravity and a fevered flair to the playing which, allied to McMurtry's deft hand with lyrics (his father is the famous novelist and poet Larry McMurtry), makes this one of the more gripping roots albums you will hear this year - and set you up nicely for his first visit in January. www.jamesmcmurtry.com JOE BREEN

Download tracks: Chaney's Toy, Fire Line Road, Just Us Kids

RONNIE DREW
The Last Session: A Fond Farewell Celtic Collections****
Magical moments don't come more distilled than this. Ronnie Drew never ploughed an easy furrow in
his heyday and, as the light began to dim, it was as if his essence spurred him on to newer pastures with even greater fervour. This is a sublime canter through a handful of jazz and not-quite jazz standards (including fine interpretations of Rainy Night in Sohoand The Auld Triangle).
Traces of a more genteel Dublin echo across Loves Own Sweet Song, replete with guest tenor Emmanuel Lawler shoring up Ronnie's roughdiamond vocals. His oratorial prowess continued to flourish to the last, as Inspiration for the Bardsattests. A bravura swansong, with sweet cameos from Damien
Dempsey and a cracking jazz ensemble led by Hugh Buckley. www.celticcollections.com  SIOBHÁN LONG

Download tracks: September Song, Rainy Night in Soho