TRUCKSTOP HONEYMOON: Steamboat In A Cornfield
TRUCKSTOP HONEYMOON
Steamboat In A Cornfield
Squirrel 1056
Vocalists, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Katie Euliss and Mike West borrowed the title of their latest project from a true-to-life childrenâs book by the late folk, country and bluegrass composer John Hartford (itâs also the basis for the eye-catching wraparound CD cover) and his carefree spirit gleams like a good spit-shine from the duoâs music. Itself inspired by heavy doses of Midwestern bluegrass and music hall jazz and spiked with vaudeville wit and a slightly psychedelic sensibility. First-listen favorites encompass the hilariously anecdotal âGrateful Dead Showâ and âYour Mother Is A Sociopathâ, a two-part, instrumental interlude called âKaw River Rag,â the raucous tale of a vacationing couple in Amsterdam titled âLeidseplein,â the daydreaming title song (that Iâd love to hear Barbara Dane tackle), a nostalgic glance back at their former home-state called âGoing Back To Louisianaâ and the charming âRiverboat Banjoâ â Westâs ode to his Tugboat Captain instrument, that only plays love songs. The pair also have four earlier CDâs available on Baton Rougeâs celebrated Squirrel label.
â Gary von Tersch