Cowboys in Cyberspace

TODD SNIDER

Time As We Know It – The Songs of Jerry Jeff Walker

Stem Music (Distributed by Planet)

Jerry Jeff Walker released his much-loved album Driftin’ Way Of Life’ in 1969. Recorded with Nashville’s coolest session men, it marked a turning point for the singer-songwriter who had recently tasted success with ‘Mr. Bojangles’ and would soon relocate to Austin, Texas and become an influential part of the burgeoning ‘Outlaw Music’ movement. Fast forward to 1995 when singer Keith Sykes gave his copy of the album that Walker had given him on the day of its release, to his friend Todd Snider as a birthday present. Snider had by then, been a fan of Walker for ten years at least; “He’s the guy I saw at 19 and decided to try to be like.”

Fast forward again to 2012 when Todd Snider (best known to us for ‘Talkin’ Seattle Grunge Rock Blues’ and ‘Alright Guy’ ) released not only another original album Agnostic Hymns & Stoner Fables, but also realised his long-time ambition to record an album of songs by his major influence, Jerry Jeff Walker. On Time As We Know It we find 16 tracks, mostly written by Walker and a few well-chosen songs that he covered. The material speaks for itself and Snider’s relaxed delivery and the understated backing doesn’t obstruct the ragged beauty of the songs. Production is by the legendary Don Was and amongst the backing vocalists are contributions by Kix Brooks and recent Australian visitors, Elizabeth Cook and Peter Cooper. This collection is a delightful reminder of the great legacy of Jerry Jeff Walker who is himself still out there performing and recording.

(Bob Howe)