Markus Rill - The Price Of Sin
German Markus Rill delivers proof that not all great Americana singer-songwriters have to necessarily be American. He arrived on the scene after going to college in Texas nine years ago and has released five albums in the meantime. When I first heard Gunslinger's Tales(1997), the debut of this then-unknown artist, the superlatives flowed effortlessly from my pen. And everyone who heard his last album Hobo Dream will know very well why I was excited about this artist. And his new record The Price Of Sin is no exception, it is a superb album that easily deserves a five-star rating.
The album was recorded in Nashville with production help from the legendary George Bradfute who also contributed cello, guitars and dobro parts. Bradfute and Rill rounded up a number of renowned session musicians who took this album to rarely achieved heights. We get to hear the subtle drumming of Bryan Owings (Buddy Miller and others), the bass playing of Dave Jacques (John Prine and others) and the magnificent Fats Kaplin (banjo, violin, pedal steel, mandolin, accordion).
On twelve numbers, Markus manages to captivate the listener with his warm, hoarse, rugged voice, as well as his exquisite guitar and harmonica playing. The opener Singin' in The Cemetery, an ode to his mother who died three years ago, is an immediately catchy, moving tune. The bluegrassy Me & Bonnie Parker (a tale with references to Bonnie & Clyde) and two intimate love songs lead us to the splendid title track The Price You Pay For Sin which describes the narrator's feelings about an affair with his best friend's wife. The gospel-influenced Carry My Load provides some uptempo relief, and after more songs dealing with the ways of love, betrayal and sorrow we arrive at the album's gem, Out Of The Cold. The touching closing trackr Not Ready Yet brings the album full circle dealing with his father's heart attack.
Beauty, emotion and sadness in twelve fantastic songs - this album effortlessly reaches the quality level of John Prine, David Olney or Ray Wylie Hubbard! This is a wonderful record and a surefire candidate for the year end's bests lists.
(BD)
