Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Levon Helm's Dirt Farmer will be released
October 30 by Vanguard Records, his first solo, studio album in 25 years. The organic feel of the sessions hark back to his work with The Band and comes on the heels of a wave of attention for his Midnight Rambles, late night concerts held at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY.
It's a major landmark on a remarkable journey for Levon Helm. "The last few years have proven to me that we truly live in an age of miracles," writes Levon in the poignant liner notes. After arduous treatments for throat cancer that took away his singing voice and a fire that consumed over eighty percent of his recording studio, Helm was amazed to find both restored.
On Dirt Farmer, Helm's pays tribute to his family, singing traditional songs that he learned growing up in rural Arkansas. He also covers songs by Steve Earle and J.B. Lenoir; full of Dobros, mandolins and acoustic guitars, the album resonates deeply, honoring Levon's roots.
Multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Lyle Lovett, Solomon Burke) and Levon's daughter Amy, also a member of Ollabelle, produced and shepherded the project at "The Barn," Levon Helm Studios. Levon himself plays drums, mandolin, and acoustic guitar and provides all lead vocals.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:  
Summary: Levon Helms Dirt Farmer
Comment: I love this cd. If you like 'Oh brother where art thou' you'll like this. Very entertaining lyrics and I like to listen to it when I am cooking in the kitchen.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Easily one of the best albums I've bought
Comment: I purchased this album basically on a whim. Levon Helm sang one of my favorite songs ever with The Band ("The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"), so I thought I'd give this album a shot. I am really glad I did. Even with his voice not at 100% as he still recovers from throat cancer, his strength, wisdom, tenacity, earnestness, and just plain talent come through with every reedy note. Amazing. Anyone who is interested in keeping American traditional music alive should buy this album and listen to it again and again.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Awsome
Comment: Classic Americana Music, An Instant Classic A Down Home Felling Music
"Real Music" JG
Customer Rating:
Summary: Dirt Farmer
Comment: Levon Helm is awesome. Lyrics are great and the music flows and hits every lick.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Roots Music at its best
Comment: This is my favorite album of the past two years. That 's saying alot because many fine albums have been pressed. However Levon Helm captures the soul of America and sings with a heartfelt passion very seldom heard. Bravo to Leon
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