Roots

LEVON HELM
Dirt Farmer Vanguard ***

If that name fails to ring any bells, then you are ripe for re-education in a rock history course. Helm was the drummer and signature voice in The Band, a group of musicians who attained almost mythical status in the rock world of the late 1960s/early 1970s for their solo work and backing of Bob Dylan. Helm is one of the

three surviving members (Robbie Robertson and Garth Hudson being the other two), though it has clearly been a close-run thing. This is his first album since he recovered from throat cancer and, invariably, his raspy voice is at times a little thin and reedy. But it is a joyous return, facilitated by

his daughter, singer Amy Helm, and co-producer and guitarist Larry Campbell (who has played prominently with Dylan in recent years). The material, country rock/folk/gospel, is both heartfelt and heartening to hear. www.vanguardrecords.com

Download tracks: False Hearted Lover Blues, Calvary, Feelin' Good