Jon Dee Graham,
Full



Label: Freedom Records

(4½ out of 5)

Jon Dee Graham has never shied away from baring his all in his music. And with such a turbulent last couple years, ranging from a disappointing exit from New West Records to son Willie's diagnosis with Legg-Perthes disease and the family insurer's bankruptcy, Graham has plenty to say on his latest release. Full presents a brutally honest but always smoking look at a complicated life.

Among the dozen new songs there are some glimpses of hope, as with the jangly guitars of "Something Wonderful" (listen) and the guarded optimism of "Amsterdam" (listen). But Graham truly excels at mining the darker side of the human consciousness. From the death fantasy of "Swept Away" (listen) to the acoustic apology "O Dearest One" (listen), his best material gives into the gloom.

Lyrics like I guess that my best still is not very good ("O Dearest One"), I'm so full of holes ("Holes") and You're beautiful and I ain't no damn good ("Rosewood") illustrate an almost Catholic sense of self-criticism. And in fact, spiritual imagery figures prominently in the album's two story-songs, the mutinously vengeful "Tie a Knot" (listen) and "Beloved Garden" (listen), which wrestles with the disgrace of original sin.

Producer Mike Stewart (Poi Dog Pondering) complements Graham's lead vocals and guitar with a sharp studio cast that includes Michael Hardwick (Eliza Gilkyson) on guitar, Andrew DuPlantis (Son Volt) on bass, and John Chipman (the Resentments) on drums. Also contributing are Bruce Hughes and Scrappy Jud Newcomb, like Chipman bandmates from Graham's Sunday-night sessions group at Austin's Saxon Pub.

Graham may be our musical Job, with Full his compelling testament to persevering through numerous trials and emerging stronger and wiser for the struggle.

April 24, 2006