ROBERT PLANT with SUZI DIAN ~ Saving Grace
![[Image: Robert_Plant_-_Saving_Grace.png]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dc/Robert_Plant_-_Saving_Grace.png)
… could also be titled Insouciant Grace if you ask me – and even if you don’t! Although insouciance belies the craft of which one Robert Anthony Plant should be justifiably proud. I’ve said it before and will say it again – the man is no fake; he’s not just cashing in on his mighty reputation nor is he riding on the very long coattails of Jimmy Page’s original vision – his whole being is immersed in his muse. One of the very few statesmen of rock in advance of whose latest offerings I suffer no feelings of trepidation. Nicely done Mr Plant.
The album is a collection of carefully curated and executed songs – some of surprising origins. Robert Plant has a long-held interest in the blues, gospel, soul and traditional folk music. This release reflects his encyclopaedic knowledge and excellent ear – he’s picked up on material by 60’s psychedelic band Moby Grape, Memphis Minnie (from whence came LZ’s version of “When the Levee Breaks”), and several more contemporary and less mainstream artists such as The Low Anthem, Low, Martha Scanlan and Sarah Siskind. So immersed is he, that he’s even chosen lesser-known artist’s interpretations of traditional songs, and given credit where it’s due.
Suzi Dian, his co-vocalist, is a member of Saving Grace, the band he’s been having a whale of time with for the past six years, (hence the title of the album) and she is the perfect foil for his more mature rasp – not that he sounds in any way quavering – he can certainly still hold his own. They make fabulous harmonies, and her voice is absolutely true. Altogether, a slick, somewhat edgy, well thought out and pleasing listen. The album cover and a few of the visuals remind me of Altamira – Mark Knopfler’s album with Dame Evelyn Glennie. Perhaps the inspiration is similar.
Info below from Wiki … https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saving_Gra...ant_album)
Personnel:
Robert Plant – vocals, production (all tracks); harmonica (track 4)
Suzi Dian – vocals, production (all tracks); accordion (1)
Oli Jefferson – drums, production (all tracks); percussion (7, 10), backing vocals (10)
Tony Kelsey – production (all tracks), acoustic guitar (1, 3, 5, 7, 10), electric guitar (2, 4, 6, 9), vocals (3), baritone guitar (8, 9), backing vocals (10)
Barney Morse-Brown – cello, production
Matt Worley – production (all tracks), banjo (1, 2, 4, 10), vocals (3, 4, 6–8), acoustic guitar (3, 5, 7, 8), cuatro (9), backing vocals (10)
“It’s a Beautiful Day Today” – written by Bob Mosley of Moby Grape … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-IR3s7B0E8
“Ticket Taker” – original by The Low Anthem … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0XTE2DyFBY
“Everybody’s Song” – original by Low … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfcRe8NyFjE
“Too Far From You” – written by Sarah Siskind … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No_7QYTqrWo
Closing out the album, “Gospel Plough” which is a traditional song arranged by Robert Plant and Saving Grace ….
… could also be titled Insouciant Grace if you ask me – and even if you don’t! Although insouciance belies the craft of which one Robert Anthony Plant should be justifiably proud. I’ve said it before and will say it again – the man is no fake; he’s not just cashing in on his mighty reputation nor is he riding on the very long coattails of Jimmy Page’s original vision – his whole being is immersed in his muse. One of the very few statesmen of rock in advance of whose latest offerings I suffer no feelings of trepidation. Nicely done Mr Plant.
The album is a collection of carefully curated and executed songs – some of surprising origins. Robert Plant has a long-held interest in the blues, gospel, soul and traditional folk music. This release reflects his encyclopaedic knowledge and excellent ear – he’s picked up on material by 60’s psychedelic band Moby Grape, Memphis Minnie (from whence came LZ’s version of “When the Levee Breaks”), and several more contemporary and less mainstream artists such as The Low Anthem, Low, Martha Scanlan and Sarah Siskind. So immersed is he, that he’s even chosen lesser-known artist’s interpretations of traditional songs, and given credit where it’s due.
Suzi Dian, his co-vocalist, is a member of Saving Grace, the band he’s been having a whale of time with for the past six years, (hence the title of the album) and she is the perfect foil for his more mature rasp – not that he sounds in any way quavering – he can certainly still hold his own. They make fabulous harmonies, and her voice is absolutely true. Altogether, a slick, somewhat edgy, well thought out and pleasing listen. The album cover and a few of the visuals remind me of Altamira – Mark Knopfler’s album with Dame Evelyn Glennie. Perhaps the inspiration is similar.
Info below from Wiki … https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saving_Gra...ant_album)
Personnel:
Robert Plant – vocals, production (all tracks); harmonica (track 4)
Suzi Dian – vocals, production (all tracks); accordion (1)
Oli Jefferson – drums, production (all tracks); percussion (7, 10), backing vocals (10)
Tony Kelsey – production (all tracks), acoustic guitar (1, 3, 5, 7, 10), electric guitar (2, 4, 6, 9), vocals (3), baritone guitar (8, 9), backing vocals (10)
Barney Morse-Brown – cello, production
Matt Worley – production (all tracks), banjo (1, 2, 4, 10), vocals (3, 4, 6–8), acoustic guitar (3, 5, 7, 8), cuatro (9), backing vocals (10)
“It’s a Beautiful Day Today” – written by Bob Mosley of Moby Grape … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-IR3s7B0E8
“Ticket Taker” – original by The Low Anthem … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0XTE2DyFBY
“Everybody’s Song” – original by Low … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfcRe8NyFjE
“Too Far From You” – written by Sarah Siskind … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No_7QYTqrWo
Closing out the album, “Gospel Plough” which is a traditional song arranged by Robert Plant and Saving Grace ….
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