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John Hiatt
Crossing Muddy Waters
When it comes to songwriters, I'm always guilty in failing to cite the soulful, compassionate quality of Hiatt's material. Due partially to the low-key temperament of the man himself, Hiatt's music is rarely hitbound (but we thank Bonnie Raitt for the royalties, just the same). Yet, he chronicles some of the most poignant conditions in a few convincing lines, it's impossible not to be moved by its sheer simplicity. Like the sentiments raised for the passage of fate for "Only The Song Survives" or the everyday anxieties expressed for "What Do We Do Now," Hiatt carves his language near-down to syllables, like shaving a block of wood into a sliver of a toothpick. Accordingly, Hiatt just puts it between his teeth and smiles. His latest disc is a simple session (with David Immergluck's collection of stringed instruments and Davey Faragher on upright, kicking a bootheel), that's a smidge bluesy and bluegrassy, but filled with Hiatt's wonderful insight. –peter moore (Vanguard)
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