New Tattoo

John Cowan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 13, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Pinecastle
• ASIN: B000FIHJHE
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #121,904 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

As the lead singer of New Grass Revival, über tenor John Cowan always brought an urgency and bold authority to the experimental form his bandmates forged out of bluegrass. So it's no surprise that his versatility carried over to his next ventures, blue-eyed soul and prog-rock, or to his current eponymously named acoustic ensemble, where he's joined by Jeff Autry (guitar), Wayne Benson (mandolin), Shad Cobb (fiddle), and Noam Pikelny (banjo). Their kick-off tune, "Carla's Got a New Tattoo," in which a locomotive rhythm propels Bob Lucas's cheeky lyrics about the cool of body art, recalls the legendary New Grass at their zenith. But the band quickly switches gears to the dark blues of "Misery and Happiness," in which Cowan, powering down his force-of-nature voice to make room for ghostly harmony by Patty Griffin, stunningly evokes the searing pain of redemptive love gone cold. The highlights here are many, and a lot of them bear the stamp of Cowan's friend Darrell Scott, beginning with the spiritual "6 Red Birds (In a Joshua Tree)," which Cowan and Scott wrote together, and segueing to "With a Memory Like Mine," an exquisite song of the crazy-making grief of war (written by Scott and his father, Wayne). But the collaboration that will long stick in the mind is "Drown," a harrowing story song of child molestation. Cowan and Scott (who contributes plaintive piano accompaniment) wrote it together, but it's Cowan's own story of violation, and it's one of the bravest songs of the year. All in all, this is a sterling collection of unusually fine material, delivered in Cowan's trademark ice-and-electricity vocals. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous Music - John Cowan's Best Work!, June 23, 2006

By 

Nancy (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Tattoo (Audio CD)

This is a stunningly beautiful CD, full of love and pain seamlessly interwoven until they culminate in the heart-wrenching "Drown" which I guarantee will bring tears to your eyes and leave its imprint on your memory.

John Cowan has an incredible tenor voice: powerful, sweet and clear, and there are 4 lovely songs that particularly show it off: "Hurting Sure", "Misery and Happiness", "Back To Your Arms", and "Tomorrow Morning".

The virtuoso musicianship of the band members (Jeff Autry on guitar, Noam Pikelney on banjo, Wayne Benson on mandolin, and Luke Bulla and Shad Cobb on fiddles)is featured on every song except "Drown"--fine newgrass musicians who move way beyond bluegrass to bring a very contemporary feel to the CD. "Carla's Got a New Tatoo" will make you giggle and "Working In The New Mine" will leave you breathless. I think the producer, Jay Joyce, has thrown in just enough intriguing ear-catching twists to enhance but not overpower the music.

"Drown" features only John's cowriter Darrell Scott on keyboards and Bryn Bright on cello. This creates a huge shift in consciousness suitable for such an emotional masterpiece and important piece of work.

This is a CD you will want to share and listen to frequently. Anyone who likes John Cowan or liked New Grass Revival will DEFINITELY want it, anyone who has been through or knows anyone who has been through childhood sexual abuse will DEFINITELY be touched and inspired by "Drown", and anyone who likes beautiful acoustic music will DEFINITELY like this CD.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I dare you to sit still during this CD, it s not possible!, June 25, 2006

By 

Pat Lee (Nashville, Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Tattoo (Audio CD)

Bought it 2 weeks ago on release date and have been listening to it every day since. Still not tired of it. The music is a large heaping dollop of bluegrass (excuse me New Grass)a dash of country with a pinch of southern rock, a bit of gospel, and a little mountain music tossed in, served up with a serious jolt of reality (referencing last cut "Drown").This group is in unison with one another and this Cd reflects their individual awsome talents especially John Cowans incredible vocals. That man can belt a tune in any category from rock to country and everything in between.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beats the 2nd album, good song selection, September 7, 2006

By 

It's Me, "Really" (Houston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Tattoo (Audio CD)

I like the return to a little more acoustic sound than on the previous John Cowan CD "Always Take Me Back." That one had some superb novelties, like the Yes and King Crimson covers, but it lacked cohesion, and the original songs were not as good as on John's debut. This one is closer to the New Grass Revival vibe with strong songs throughout and some expert instrumental passages, too. John's cover of The Blue Nile (Tomorrow Morning) is a wonderful choice, and it sheds light on the underrated songwriting of Paul Buchanan. With Sam Bush's recent album "Laps In Seven" also sounding great, these are good times for New Grass Revival fans.