Steve Earle & The Dukes Jerry Jeff (LP)

(New West) 10 tracks, gatefold cover

Hero worship, the third Already twice the American singer-songwriter and activist Steve Earle has given former friends and companions their own albums with cover versions. Unfortunately, they always have to pass away before Earle can give them a long-player.

For Townes, Steve Earle received the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 2010. Townes van Zandt had been Earle's mentor and role model since his youth, with all the good and bad side effects that entailed. In 2019, he followed up with Guy, a very personal tribute to Guy Clark.

With Jerry Jeff Walker, another legend of the folk and outlaw country scene from Texas passed away at the end of 2020. Reason for Steve Earle to deal one more time an album exclusively with foreign compositions. On Jerry Jeff, he and his longtime backing band The Dukes pay homage to the Gypsy Songman for ten songs and translate his music into their own Americana band sound with all due respect.

The melodic and relaxed Gettin' By turns out to be a great introduction. With Little Bird it gets a first time clearly calmer, before on I Makes Money (Money Don't Make Me) the Bluegrass dance leg may be swung. Walker's biggest hit Mr. Bojangles - covered dozens of times, among others by Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, Robbie Williams - may not be missing either, of course.

All in all, "Jerry Jeff" has become a wonderfully entertaining and varied album. The style of Steve Earle & The Dukes fits Walker's songs perfectly. The interpretations prove a deep understanding of his compositions without neglecting their own touch.