Rockin’ and Rollin’

This long-awaited album is finally out on April 1, 2016 on River House Records, and it is not an April Fools joke. It is very easy to say it was worth the wait for these 12 gems. Seven of the songs, Nile wrote himself; four he co-wrote — two with Frankie Lee and two with Jefferson Gizzard. Then there is his touching version of Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane,” which closes the album. 

Nile is, as always, in top form, bursting with that burning and barely contained energy, that seems ever present with him. This is a disc with some of his most heartfelt songs presented in that way that only he can. “When Levon Sings” captures the spirit of Levon Helm, this iconic figure. In the 20 or 30 times I saw Helm live, he always had that smile beaming out, and it was particularly strong when he was onstage, singing. Nile’s tribute captures the essence of an outstanding musician, who, like Nile, gives it all to his listeners.  

He is accompanied on this disc — which has a very raw, rough, live feeling to it — by his long-time rockin’ band: Johnny Pisano on bass and backing vocals, Matt Hogan lead electric guitar and backing vocals, Alex Alexander on drums and percussion, and special guest Steuart Smith on acoustic and electric lead guitar, glockenspiel, and harmonium on three songs. James Maddock, Leslie Mendelson, and Christine Santelli contribute the raucous background singing. The disc was produced by Nile’s long-time producer Stewart Lerman, and of course Nile leads the procession on acoustic and electric guitar, piano, glockenspiel, and vocals. 

This disc, even more than his previous efforts, seems to be crackling with that live energy which always surrounds Willie Nile, that puts you on heightened alert. I was really struck by “Grandpa Rocks,” and wondered how autobiographical it is. Think about it and take a long look in the mirror, and what do you see? Willie is in his however-manyeth decade of rocking you out of your socks and it sure doesn’t look like he is going to fade away soon. The songs still rock and he sure as hell still has his voice. He shows no signs of slowing down at all, and we dang sure know that when Nile rocks it out, the band will be right there with him. 

This disc brings back those long nights that faded into the blazing light of day at CBGB in New York City, without losing a beat.