An unofficial companion album of sorts to 2017's
The Following Mountain, which consisted entirely of
Amidon originals,
Sam Amidon (2020) returns some of the same key contributors -- multi-instrumentalist
Shahzad Ismaily, drummer
Chris Vatalaro, and saxophonist
Sam Gendel -- for a full set of covers. As such, it's reminiscent of earlier works including his
Nonesuch label debut, the folk-covers album
Bright Sunny South (2013), but this time with a generally more ambitious design. While the likewise expansive
The Following Mountain was produced by seasoned producer/composer/sideman
Leo Abrahams,
Amidon takes on the role himself here for the first time since his solo debut nearly 20 years prior. The album's opening track, "Maggie," a version of the traditional Appalachian tune "Little Maggie," introduces an atmospheric, skittery mix of folk, funk, and haunting synth atmospheres to otherworldly effect. Meanwhile,
Amidon has honed the warm, wise vocal delivery of a community elder transfixing a small gathering with these time-tested chronicles. While the album focuses mostly on traditional song, including an updated, saxophone-streaked version of the tragic "Pretty Polly," some more-modern, attributed works get the
Amidon touch, as well. Among them are
Harkins Frye's tuneful "Time Has Made a Change" (originally "Time Has Made a Change in Me"), a song that
Amidon's parents reportedly sang around the house when he was a kid, and
Taj Mahal's "Light Rain Blues." For the latter, he fashions a relatively spacious, banjo-centric reworking kissed by shimmery effects and various emulated weather. Like an animator or puppeteer with a recognizably stylized approach,
Amidon's artistry is on full display on the eponymous album, with its sometimes-uncanny merging of timeless emotions, atmosphere, and musicality. Other collaborators include
Amidon's spouse,
Beth Orton, who is featured on several tracks, including closer "Sundown." ~ Marcy Donelson