Joe Buchanan, Back From Babylon Review
Born in Texas and raised in the South, Joe Buchanan’s music offers a Country flavor with an Americana flair. Early on, Buchanan converted to Judaism, which came with its own set of struggles in a predominately traditional religious region. Then, one day outside of the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. and 13 years into their marriage, his wife told him that she was Jewish. This convergence led to a whirlwind of songwriting, and a refocus unlike before, ultimately leading to Buchanan’s debut album Unbroken. Buchanan is the host of Jewish Rock Radio’s Emerging Artist Showcase, highlighting some of the exciting new artists in Jewish music. He also serves as an artist for the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life and visits Jewish communities throughout the South, providing music and prayer leadership. After many tours, hosting a weekly radio show and countless reviews, he is now releasing his album titled Back From Babylon. With fourteen songs of Buchanan’s unique style, Back From Babylon is a tour de force of country music. The new album features, Joe Buchanan (vocals/guitar), Saul Kaye (guitar/vocals), Russ Gold (drums), Brahm Sheray (bass), Greg Sankovich (keys), James Platt (guitar/mandolin/harmonica), Greg Sherman (drums/world percussion) , Carly Abramson (vocals) and Toby Wilson (pedal steel, dobro).
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Positives:
Replete with jangling guitars, positive messages and a driving faith intertwined in each tune, Buchanan is inspired.
Bottom Line:
It’s nice to see Buchanan integrating his faith into his music, each tune is clearly inspired by his devotion and he is unwavering in his conviction. Tunes like “How Good It Is,” and “The Mountain's Niggun,” cement this emotion. Each song offers a varied tonality, most offer an acoustic based sound, at times adding in pedal steel on tunes like “Lighthouse,” that lends an ethereal feel of spaciousness. Buchanan has a deep voice that resonates well over his heartfelt lyrics, which are laced with everyday struggles. His songs are relatable, and he sings about faith. Clearly on target with the Country/Americana genres. That's the short of it!