Jackie Greene - Giving Up The Ghost

“At the start of his fifth album, Jackie Greene wonders “why I am so uncertain/ behind the curtain, shaken.” Could it be because 2005’s lauded “American Myth” died a premature death due to the financial woes of his previous label? Perhaps, but in the same breath, Greene pronounces, “I don’t wanna go out like this,” and instead delivers a follow-up that’s even better. This 12-song set of varied song styles and passionate performances represents a microcosm of Greene’s eclectic musical universe to this point. He takes turns at being soulful (”Animal,” “Downhearted”), rootsy (”When You Return,” “Uphill Mountain”), spiritual (”Prayer for Spanish Harlem”) and, when so inclined, making a bigger kind of rock sound on such tracks as “Follow You” and “Like a Ball & Chain.” Green and producer Berlin load the songs with textures and details—a trumpet here, an accordion or harmonica there—but they never sound gratuitous or superfluous. A career high point and the essential entry in his catalog so far.—Gary Graff”