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Kane Welch Kaplin, (Self-titled) 2007 (Compass Records)
Kane Welch Kaplin are an Americana super-group, and their third collaboration (self-titled) reflects as much. To be sure, Kieran Kane and Kevin Welch are successful songwriters, each with an impressive body of solo material. Fats Kaplin is an in-demand multi-instrumentalist who's contributed his skills to a long list of great artists including Mark Knopfler, Buddy Miller, Waylon Jennings, and Garth Brooks, to name just a few. But there's a creative chemistry among these three that keeps them writing and performing together. Now, having released their third record as Kane Welch Kaplin, Kevin Welch wants no confusion: "We want people to finally understand that we're a band, not just three solo artists playing for the hell of it." And the world is a better place for it. The tremolo-drenched guitar riffs on the first track "Ain't Gonna Do It" combined with Kane's sober, gritty, down-on-my-luck vocal delivery are a promising start to this 12-song record with a run-time of approximately 42 minutes. Track two's "I Wish I Had That Mandolin" is just plain brilliant songwriting, as Welch captures the melancholy experienced by most musicians who've sold off a beloved instrument in a desperate attempt for cash (Vince Gill claimed he never did this—he's one of the few). Kane matches Welch's brilliance in track 3's "Red Light Blinking," delivering a trenchant snapshot of a lonely, road-weary, motel-hopping soul who might be on his way home—or not. When track 4's upbeat swampy-blues kicks in, you realize that these guys aren't letting up—and indeed, the second half of the record is as rootsy, philosophical, and well-written as the first. To be sure, you'll want to listen to this record straight through—no skipping. But there are a few poignant stand-outs that deserve attention. "Last Lost Highway" is Welch's reflection on the loss of someone very close. Welch's ability to translate anger, blame, sadness, and finally acceptance is truly remarkable. Exactly who Welch sings about is unclear, which makes it applicable to us all. "Dark Boogie #7," a Kane Welch Kaplan collaboration, is a roots/blues foot-stompin' reflection on the injustice of our "justice" system. Vocally reminiscent of Leo Kottke's half-sung style, "Dark Boogie #7" gets into the mind of a nameless, faceless other who found himself the easy target for criminal prosecution. Finally, "No One Told Me," a snake-handlin' swamp blues gospel number recalls the best of fellow Nashvillians Dave Olney and Kevin Gordon. This is one great record. Add it to your collection. If history is any guide, Kane Welch Kaplan will spend the next year touring the entire world, so look for them in your town and don't miss it. — Vincent Wynne, January 6, 2008
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