Imagine sitting around a campfire next to Johnny Cash and Steve Earle on a balmy summer’s evening. Add to that a pair of cowboy boots, a bottle of moonshine and some gold ol’ thigh-slapping country blues and you have Texan singer songwriter Sam Baker.
Cotton is the 55 year old’s third album and the follow up to 2007’s Pretty World.
The record is a hotchpotch of tales against a backdrop of elegant and understated piano and guitar arrangements. Baker plays out the lives of a whole host of characters, including a Mexican metal worker who swaps praying for partying. (“He bought a pale snap shirt stitched with horses and stars. A handsome pair of boots, started driving past bars. Where women wore short skirts they made out in cars. Drank beer by the quart out of mason jars”.)
Although tracks such as Mennonite are the perfect accompaniment to a good knees-up, Cotton is not your stereotypical country twang. In 1986 whilst travelling through Peru, Baker found himself at the centre of a terrorist attack. When the train he had boarded was blown up, seven people died, leaving Baker deaf and brain-damaged with a mangled hand and leg.
Baker’s three albums have been presented as a trilogy, Cotton being the third instalment. His records have charted his recovery as he explores the fragility of life. Whereas the first album Mercy saw him attempt to come to terms with his experiences, Cotton depicts love and lifes blows through poignant and melancholy lyrics alongside delightful harmonies.
Even though Cotton is tinged with sadness, Baker’s poetic lyrics and delicate instrumentals leave you feeling uplifted. Who’s Gonna Be Your Man sees singer Roxie Dean duet with Baker. Her sweet, flowery vocals are a charming contrast to Baker’s raw expression as he asks her “Who’s going to kiss your red ruby lips?”
Cotton might depict a life stained with heartache and tragedy but the album is a joy to hear. The guitarist’s blend of blues, Americana and folk is country music at its best as well as great introduction to Baker’s life and work.
I read this article & as a result gave the cd a listen. Jenni described it perfectly. I loved it! Thanks Jenni
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