Big Daddy T - Judas Goat (2018)

Big Daddy T's newest recording is Judas Goat. It is made up of 8 new songs and while this album is a bit of a departure from the band’s usual live performances, it is true to a long blues tradition while still having an original sound. The album has a generally subdued vibe that is enhanced by very long arrangements. Many of the songs exceed 5 minutes, and the title track is over 7 minutes long. This album is not for beginners. It does not pander to the base with “clever” hook driven shuffles and jump songs with cheesy double entendre. It’s lyrics are decidedly un-”hooky.” They are stories, and they have an air of personal pain and authenticity that may not impinge on the first listen. This is an album that needs to be listened to closely or the point could be totally lost.
It is a noisy record as well, with strange sounds popping up in weird places, a la Tom Waits or Beck. From the opening bass notes of the first track “Let It Burn,” the tone is set. This album has a Low-Fi, indy feel and yet at the same time there is a care in the way the musical tones are recorded and the instrumental arrangements crafted. The primary producer on this album was Daniel McCormick, the founder and lead singer of The Mad Marionettes. He is also a film composer and he and his friend, and sometime collaborator, composer Ali Helnwein brought a certain degree of detail to this new album. It is not a beer fueled, Lindy Hop driven, party record. It is an introspective, grinding blues narration of pain and regret.
One highlight is the vocal performance by lead singer and bassist, Tony Wisler on the bands cover of the Tom Waits' song "Jockey Full of Bourbon." Billy Burke's guitar work on "Good Time Jake" is also worth mentioning.
The over all groove, created by the tandem of Drummer Joe Chellman and Tony Wisler on bass, creates a foundation for interesting stylistic choices performed by Harmonica player, Johnny Pie. Pianist, Crystal Chavez and Organist, Stan Harrison each contribute memorable solos as well.
The duet quality of Tony and Crystal's vocals on songs like Yesterday's Dreams and God's Not Dead only enhance the intimacy of the album's over all feel.