Customer Reviews

New Tattoo

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

First and foremost, John Cowan's resonating tenor voice would send shock waves through a polar ice cap. The hair on my arms stood up the entire concert. The way the album is mastered, it's one long continuous medley that's over far too quickly. The arrangements are laid out in an order that flows like a river. John mixes styles on this recording that range from blues to southern rock to Celtic soul in a most indelible piece of work. Cow band rocks on this, especially fiddler Shad Cob and mandolinist Wayne Benson. Didn't think it was possible for JC to improve, but he continues to outpace himself. One for the collector's list and posterity. Tattoo transfer was a really cool bonus!

Playing Time - 46:47

Who They Are: Genre-bending innovators and adventurists

What They Do: Progressive newgrass full of vocal and instrumental pyrotechnics

Little Known Facts: Some of Cowan's early rock and blues bands included Everyday People, The Sky Kings, Duckbutter and Grooveyard.

The Songs: "Carla's Got A New Tattoo" opens the set with barn-burning instrumental work and inspired vocal spunk. The soulful "Misery & Happiness," a lamentation on the bittersweet experience of finding love and losing it, features gorgeous harmony vocals from Patty Griffin. "Working In The New Mine" harkens back to old school bluegrass, with a driving tempo, stellar picking, charged modulation, and acrobatic vocal harmonies. A melodic "Back To Your Arms" and Mark Simos' "Hurting Sure" are modern country masterpieces that would sound right at home on country radio. "In Bristol Town" is a ballad with some old-time Appalachian character. The 6-minute closing track, "Drown," is the most emotional and controversial. It's a disturbing and detailed disclosure about child molestation. Based on personal experience as a seven-year-old survivor, John felt it was a tragic story that needed to be told. Cowan collaborated with Darrell Scott on "Drown" and "Red Birds (In A Joshua Tree)." Darrel and his father (Wayne) penned "With A Memory Like Mine," a sad song of a son returning frm war in a flag-draped casket.

The Musicians: Besides Cow on lead vocals and bass, the band's current lineup is Jeff Autry (guitar, bouzouki), Wayne Benson, (mandolin), Shad Cobb (fiddle), Noam Pikelny (banjo), and Luke Bulla (fiddle, mandolin). All but Pikelny contribute harmony vocals.

Of Special Note: Six guests who are "special" offer up vocals (Patty Griffin), piano (Darrell Scott), cello (Bryn Bright), bass harmonica (Mickey Raphael), percussion (Giles Reaves), and "sonic onslaught" (Jay Joyce).

Any Recommendations: The studio effects are a little overstated in a few places. Sound effects, echo, reverb and looping sounds have their place, and producer Jay Joyce could've used them a bit more sparingly to create certain intimate moods and soul-stirring settings.

Their Bumpersticker Might Say: "Johnny C" for Secretary of Musical Defense!

The Bottomline Is: Explosive Ebullience with a capital "E."

Reviewed by: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

This is one great CD. I had the honor of getting this CD at Merlefest in April and am recommending it to anyone that is/was a New Grass Revival fan.
John Cowan is "the voice" and his band are all awesome musicians.

Best work by Cowan yet. No let down from start to finish though the last song "Drown", which deals with the reality of child molestation, seems out of place for this particular album. Regardless, it's an excellent mix and masterful production. Certain enjoyment for any newgrass fan.

He was in top form when he sang with the New Grass Revival. This album is not bad, but he is clearly capable of better work.

I saw John Cowan perform New Tattoo on CMT. I liked the song and listened to clips of the remaining songs. They sounded good so I bought the CD. It was well worth it. John Cowan is a heartfelt singer, and the songs are all very good, from fun songs to quite serious songs about child abuse. I recommend this CD highly.

This is an outstanding CD by artist John Cowan. I love the entire CD!