SHANNON McNALLY
Small Town Talk
Sacred Sumac Music 8975

www.shannonmcnally.com
 

Small Town Talk is Shannon McNally’s tribute to Bobby Charles (born Robert Charles Guidry), a wonderful Louisiana-bred songwriter whose songs reach back as far as Bill Haley & the Comets’ “See You Later Alligator” and Fats Domino’s “Walking to New Orleans” in the 1950s. Shannon covers 14 Bobby Charles gems here.

Mostly recorded in Maurice, LA, in 2007, and co-produced by Shannon and Dr. John who plays piano and B3 organ throughout (and over the years an occasional collaborator with Charles), I am utterly delighted this charming set has finally achieved release. The performances are loaded with love. No surprise, as Bobby Charles, who left us in 2010, is a truly beloved and treasured artist by all those who knew him. (Charles was one of The Band’s invited guests in their infamous Last Waltz.)

The best known songs here are “Small Town Talk” (one of five from his first solo album 1972’s Bobby Charles) and “(I Don’t Know Why I Love You) But I Do,” an early ’60s hit for Clarence “Frogman” Henry. Use these as touchstones, entry points into Bobby Charles’ thoughtful and eloquent songs.

Most of all Small Town Talk is a fun album. The obvious love Shannon and the players have for these songs and for Bobby is a beacon. The album is a gas end to end.

During the album’s long gestation, some of the key figures involved passed on and are included with Bobby Charles as memorial dedications. String arranger Wardell Quezergue and drummer Herman V. Ernst III, New Orleans stalwarts both, are mentioned alongside Joel Dorn, Rick Danko (co-writer of “Small Town Talk”), Ben Keith and Levon Helm.

Small Town Talk is a lovely album that sheds light on an artist who mostly operated under radar. Check it out and get to know more about the wonderful Bobby Charles and his songs.

— Michael Tearson