Two years ago, when I was given a iPod for Father's Day, I decided to ask friends and readers of the Ovation section of the Brattleboro Reformer to recommend music to put on it. I received many replies from a broad spectrum, everything from Mozart to Metallica - just what I had in mind.
One of the responses came from a dear friend of mine, and she recommended Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem's "Big Old Life," a CD that was just out at the time. She said the whole thing was great. For some reason, I didn't take her advice right off, although I thought about it. At one point, I had a copy of "Big Old Life" in my hands at a record store, when I put it back and went for something else.
Well, I finally got a copy of it, and I can only say the only thing I accomplished by ignoring my friend's advice for two years was to deprive myself of a really beautiful thing.
"Big Old Life" is an absolute gem, a well-conceived, well-executed collection of 12 inspiring songs - half of which are originals by Arbo or her bandmates and the other half traditional tunes and covers of songs by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan among others.
I have one of Arbo's earlier recordings and I like it well enough, so I had pretty high hopes before I put on the new one, but "Big Old Life" surpassed those expectations. Forged in the aftermath of Arbo's bout with breast cancer, "Big Old Life" reflects that struggle - and the life embraced after it - in powerful and affirming ways. Steeped in that experience, Arbo's music does not dwell on the morose, but soars above it. "Big Old Life" is a spiritual testament to living life meaningfully and beautifully. There are a lot of albums out there that do that; "Big Old Life" does it better than most.
It took all of five notes for "Big Old Life" to bring me to the edge my seat. Opening with the Sean Staples' song "Joy Comes Back," the fifth note, sung a cappella, gospel-style to the word "ready" is the kind of moment that snaps your head up and makes you listen closer. When the musicians kick in behind the singers, the result is wondrous - affirming, exuberant, celebratory. It sets the tone for the whole CD.
The next song shifts gears. Arbo's country-ish ballad and title tune has a different feel but the result is no less affirming, no less life-embracing.
And so it goes through a mix of songs and styles the rest of the way - including a brilliant cover of Dylan's "Farewell, Angelina" - each song captivating, with something to say. And so well put, too. The feel of the album is complemented by outstanding musicianship from fiddler, vocalist Arbo, her regular bandmates - Scott Kessel on vocals and recycled material drumset, Andrew Kinsey on vocals, bass, banjo and guitar and Anand Nayak on guitar, mandolin and vocals and piano - plus six other guest musicians. And all of this is wrapped in Chris Rival and daisy mayhem's exquisite production, which preserves an earthy, rootsy feel. The result is honest, heartfelt excellence. Wisdom and inspiration wrapped up in memorable music.
I say all this because Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem are coming to Brattleboro this Saturday, May 16, to play at The Church at 8 p.m. I can't wait to see what they're up to now. I suspect what I heard on the CD is not the result of slick studio tricks but evidence of musicians of extraordinary heart and soul, whose live show will be a superb experience.
Tickets are available at www.brattleborotix.com or in person at Everyone's Books or at the door. For information, call 802-257-1571.