He's just busy paying tribute to deceased friends, heroes and even family members. After tributes to
Townes van Zandt,
Guy Clark and his own son
Justin Townes Earle, Steve Earle's Jerry Jeff album is dedicated to
Jerry Jeff Walker. This Texan singer-songwriter, who died in 2020, was one of the leaders of outlaw country. While perhaps less well known than Van Zandt or
Willie Nelson, his composition
… Mr. Bojangles in particular is famous as a much-played classic in country, jazz and rock. Walker was deeply rooted in country and on Jerry Jeff Earle does not deny this. Songs like Gettin' By, Little Bird and of course Mr. Bojangles are played with a nice loose honky tonk feel, as if the band were playing live in a roadhouse. Earle scratches, gasps and growls the lyrics, which are not devoid of humor. It makes Jerry Jeff a very enjoyable lively country rock album. (MR)more
