Given his reputation as a perpetually-travelling troubadour, “Middle of Everywhere” would seem an appropriate title for Missouri-based Pokey LaFarge’s latest release with the South City Three. Proving that traditional folk music – and derivatives thereof – can be enjoyed by anyone seems to spur Mr LaFarge on and this record is a fine example of true American music. No violins, then!
Supported by the redoubtable South City Three, whose collective musical expertise suggests they’ve been around for at least a century, Pokey is in agreeable company as he begins on “So Long Honeybee, Goodbye”. A few tracks later, “Sunny Side of the Street” could probably have comforted Americans during the Great Depression.
It wouldn’t be an album of American music without a drinking song (“Drinkin’ Whiskey Tonight”), or a thinly-veiled tribute to country girls. In particular, the line “don’t need money to get some honey” evidences Pokey’s fine sense of humour on “Good Country Girls”.
Comparisons to specific artists are somewhat redundant where Pokey is concerned. So, out of badness, let’s state that he bears a slight physical - and even less musical – resemblance to George Formby. But let’s focus on what’s important. Pokey and his band deliver an exciting blend of country music with ragtime (“Weedwacker Rag”) and blues (“River Rock Bottom”, “Coffee Pot Blues”) predilection. More importantly, you cannot assign a geographical location to the sound. This is the music of America before it succumbed to dollar signs. A fine release from a genuinely talented musical ambassador.