David Rawlings

Poor David’s Almanack (Acony/ Southbound)

David Rawlings is one smooth operator. Best known as Gillian Welch’s right hand man, the softly spoken jack-of-all-trades is regarded as one of alt-country’s classiest guitarists, singers and producers. Poor David’s Almanack, his third solo album, shows why. Like other Rawlings albums, Almanack has a large guest list. Among others, Dawes and various members of Old Crow Medicine Show pop up all over, making it less a solo Rawlings venture than a good-old collaborative hoedown. Welch is there as well, a constant presence as the two weave their familiar harmonies — although, of course, this time Rawlings’ voice takes centre stage. Musically, it’s more or less what you’d expect. There are plenty of old-timey numbers, often with odd, quirky humour (Money is the Meat in the Coconut, for instance, is as charming and odd as it sounds). Rawlings’ soft voice is a gem, while his virtuoso guitar work steals the show. Though mostly acoustic, things do sometimes turn electric. It’s a seamless, charming listen from start to end. – Jack Barlow