Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but impressionable skill and honour in its delivery is by far the resonating bell of authenticity and heartfelt thanks. Almost anyone could capture the sense of a piece of art, the odd few songs that make up an evening’s diversion from a set of original tracks performed, and yet it in the heat of the moment how many are willing to put a whole show aside and show true character in reproducing one of the seminal moments captured in Rock history and dealing with the moment as one of accolade in its own right.
For Dan Cervantes, Jody Bagley, Blake Dean and Chad Lee, The Band’s final live recording is arguably one to savour, how could it not be, it has influenced millions, given the idea of the mass production a wider scope, a certain energy normally to be found nestling in the proximity of the show-stopping musical on Broadway. The Last Waltz, iconic, revolutionary, and an album that covers itself in its own humble glory, The Band at their arguable best and one in which is held in audible esteem by Mrs Henry as they tackle songs in a similar cauldron of expectancy and come out musical heroes.
It seems impossible to think of an album in such a way, but as we get older, so to do those recordings that blessed our growing up become more adept at releasing feelings we had forgotten, back out into the open. The acknowledgement shown to this hair on the back of the neck being raised moment is one that San Diego’s Mrs. Henry emulates; a timeless classic given its recognition in the 21st Century, a celebration which frames songs such as Up On Cripple Creek, Who Do You Love?, Helpless, It Makes No Difference, Such A Night, Further On Up The Road, Ophelia and the superb Life Is A Carnival with absolute beauty and the often neglected sincere bow.
With a cast of contemporary musicians replicating the eminent talent that caroused and played on the original live recording, Mrs Henry give thanks to an album and a group of special people in the only way they can, by giving the memorial of youth over to the gala of those that came before, and by doing so, the commemoration of events somehow seems colossal in its endeavour; a true piece of art rediscovered in a different time and with sincerity embedded throughout.
Mrs. Henry release Mrs. Henry Presents The Last Waltz on July 12th via Blind Owl Records.
Ian D. Hall