专辑简介

Randy Sabien turns it up to 11. Eleven albums that is. In collaboration with Chopper Black, legendary Twin Cities engineer, “Soul of a Man” presents Sabien as a swinging fiddler, versatile songwriter, and benevolent bandleader. This latest effort continues the exploration of triple fiddles he began on his previous release “Rhythm and Bows” and is the same concept he’s been honing on stage in live performances for the past few years. The set list on “Soul of a Man” is bookended by the Spade Cooley compositions “Spadella” and “Three Way Boogie.” Sandwiched in between are tunes by Allman Brothers guitarist Dickie Betts, Bob Wills, Blind Willie Johnson and new original songs featuring guest vocalists Pat Donohue and Prudence Johnson.

Calling him a jazz violinist only captures a glimpse of how he views himself. “One of my musical heroes is Robbie Robertson of ‘The Band.’ While he wrote most of the group’s material, he didn’t sing the songs himself and as the guitarist he wasn’t the main focus but a sideman who took an occasional solo. I like taking on that role in my own band.”

And for the first time, he combines his many influences into one package. “On previous albums I would present myself as a jazz violinist, (“In A Fog”, “Fiddlehead Blues”,) or a roots player (“Live At the Café Carpe”,) a multi-instrumentalist rocker (“Rock This House”,) or a fiddling folkie (“Cappa Cup of Dreams”.) On “Soul of a Man” I’ve found a way to put all of that together. It may not seem cohesive at first but it’s derived in part from the variety of material Bob Wills’ group would play. Fiddle tunes, hot swinging instrumentals, blues, Tin Pan Alley style songs – anything that would get the audience dancing. This new record has all that plus musical developments that happened later like the Grateful Dead space jam and rock and roll grooves.”

Recorded at the McNally Smith College of Music (where Sabien is String Dept. Head,) it includes fellow faculty members Steve Jennings (drums,) Bobby Stanton (guitar,) Jeff Bailey (bass,) and Steve Faison (percussion.) Keyboardist Matt Buchman is director of jazz studies at UW Stevens Point. Dan Chouinard lays down the four hands boogie woogie piano introduction on the final cut. The bonus track, “High On Love,” is from McNally Smith’s faculty sampler “Seven Song Cycle” and features Judi Donaghy Vinar and Shon Parker on vocals, plus Gary Gratz (piano,) Chris Olson (guitar,) and Gary Raynor, (bass.)