Marleys Ghost - Travelin' Shoes [CD]

With a dozen albums to date Seattle-based Marley's Ghost survey a broad scope of Americana and acoustic music, refusing to confine themselves to any singular niche. Their aptly named Travelin' Shoes veers down a similar path with 12-songs offering an assured selection of traditional gospel tunes, each delivered with the rich, dynamic, vibrant instrumentation and tightly locked communal harmonies that have been integral elements in Marley's Ghost's m.o. for well over 30 years. Produced by acclaimed virtuoso Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm), who was previously behind the boards for their highly acclaimed 2016 album The Woodstock Sessions, Travelin' Shoes is a joyous and surprisingly diverse set of songs, a celebratory salute to the finest traditions of American music. From the compelling, banjo-plucking, back porch delivery of the title track, the crisp, Caribbean flavor of "Run Come See Jerusalem," and the festive sing-alongs "Hear Jerusalem Moan" and "So Happy I'll Be," to the goodtime feel of "Someday" and the upward gaze and chorus of clapping that informs "You Can't Stand Alone," it's an album that will have even the most confirmed skeptics, cynics and agnostics sharing in the sentiment.