Scar
From roots rocker to songwriting impressionist to sonic adventurer, the musical progression of Joe Henry resists category and defies expectation. The album-opening "Richard PryorAddresses a Tearful Nation" is Henry's most audacious move to date, as his smoky voice channels the comedian's tragic spirit while a saxophone break from free-jazz titanOrnette Colemanprovides achingly poignant punctuation. The rest of the song cycle ranges from the sophisticated atmospherics of "Stop" (adapted by Henry's sister-in-lawMadonnainto her hit single, "Don't Tell Me") to the insistent funk of "Rough and Tumble." The production by Henry and Craig Street gives the music plenty of room to breathe, augmenting the organic interplay of guitaristMarc Ribot, pianistBrad Mehldau, and bassistMe'shell Ndegeocellowith bittersweet string arrangements. Though there are echoes ofVan Morrisonin "Mean Flower" and theBandin "Cold Enough to Cross," Henry is less a classicist than a restless visionary.--Don McLeese