Secret Handshake
On his first solo release since 1986, Geoff Muldaur delivers a pleasing collection of American Music. The eight covers and two originals encompass traditional blues, gospel, and folk but come across as truly original due to Muldaur's soulful and octave-jumping vocals, as well as his production and arranging. The covers are down-home, including compositions by Leadbelly, Vera Hall Ward, and Sleepy John Estes, and his originals are rootsy, especially "I Believe I'll Go Back Home," Muldaur's take on the biblical story of the prodigal son. He even gets downright funky during an extended jam on "Chevrolet/Big Alice," a track featuring David Grisman on mandolin and Canadian guitar virtuoso Amos Garrett on lead guitar. Curl up on the couch with this one and feel it; it gets better with each spin.--Jason Pascal