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Earle Justin Townes

Harlem River Blues @loodshot) By ClaireAshton Published: September l7th,2010 | l:00pm Stylishcountrycrooner Earle'sHorlemRiverBluesis the perfectunionof a smalltown JustinTownes Tennessee childhoodand Big Apple dreams, summermasterpiece a with equalpartsrural integrity and urban guest sophistication. third studioalbumandfollow-upto critically-prused His Midnightat theMoviesfeatures from Isbell andCalexico'sPaulNiehaus. appearances Drive-By Truckers alumJason both the country ThroughoutHarlem River Blues,the lanky anddistinctly angulartroubadourincorporates jazzwtth a sense humor)andthe westemfusionof Lyle Lovett (think classic countrymeets blues,folk, and of oftenassociated Wilco andRyanAdams.With an organic, Americana songwriting styleandsentimentality with nod AmericanMusic Award underhis belt in 2009for Emerging Artist of the Yearanda bestdressed from GQ Magazine, songwriter-son ofNashville mainstay the SteveEarle-seemsto havefoundhis calling. Shortand sweethonkytonk cuts like *Move Over Mama" andthe title track, completewith a largerthan life gospel lyrics anda spry,two-steppacethat makefor a rollicking good choir,deliverquick-witted,swaggering raw time. "One More Night in Brooklyn,'o LP's mostradio'friendlynumber,showcases the Earle'strademark voice againstminimalist, finger-pickedguitar and lyrics that instantly incite longing for the excitementof young piano-drivencloser love and sunmer nights out on the town. Most apparent the heartbreakingly-beautiful, in with simplicityandorganicflavor that's a rarity "RogersPark,"HarlemRiverBluesresonates a welcomed {rmong today'sover-produced fare.