Session Americana
Album: Pack Up The Circus
Label: Continental Song City
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.sessionamericana.com/

When I signed up to review this album I had no real idea what to expect. When I received it and after one listen I was none the wiser. My first thought was that it is somewhat quirky.

The band is from Boston and is described in its publicity material as a rock band in a tea cup or possibly a folk band in a whisky bottle. Get it? No, neither do I but I quite like the description.

This album is the sixth since the band's formation in 2005. The concept or ethos of the band seems to be to bring together a bunch of really good musicians and sit them around a table on stage and then just see what happens. This album is intended to bring together the best of that culture but recorded in a studio.

Does it work? Surprisingly yes it does and very well too. The band claims that they wanted to make a coherent album out of the chaos of their collective spirit and have a great time doing it. Part recording session, part song writing and part party! As I said, a little bit quirky. The album contains elements of folk, country, rock and quite a bit more.

The first song on the album is the title track and I liked it instantly. The rest of the album is a bit of a strange mix of music and moods. You can truly imagine the fun element of seeing the band live. The third track is a rendition of the Mills Brothers 1957 hit, "You always hurt the one you love." A rather surprising choice of song which is made into a fantastic version by the wonderful Larry Adler type harmonica section in the middle.

"All for you" is my second favourite track on the album. It is followed by "Time Winds Me Up" which sounds as though it would be more appropriate on a "Wiggles" album. Slightly strange but in keeping with the stated intention of having fun! "Notary Public" continues in the same vein, bit of Country, very clever lyrics and a whole lot of fun. That fabulous harmonica is in evidence again.

The last two tracks slow the pace right down with "Dark Clouds" seemingly being made up as the band go along.

As I said at the beginning, this is a rather quirky band and album. Having said that, it makes the whole package so much more interesting than many modern stereotyped bands. Every track seems to introduce a whole new genre of music. I would imagine they are a whole lot of fun to see live.

Rory Stanbridge