Dan Tyminski: “God Fearing Heathen” (2023) – Album Review

Summary

Dan Tyminski’s 2023 release “God Fearing Heathen” marks a triumphant full-length album return to bluegrass after a notable hiatus, with tracks that resonate both with traditional charm and modern flair. The album’s songs, such as “Never Comin’ Home” and “Silence in the Brandy,” stand out with exquisite craftsmanship and soulful vocals. This is a celebration of spirited and joyful bluegrass, spotlighting Tyminski and his amazing band’s skillful melodic artistry.

Album Info

Introduction

God Fearing Heathen, the latest album from Dan Tyminski, is a bit of a homecoming of sorts. With this 2023 release, the Alison Krauss & Union Station and Dan Tyminski Band stalwart has released his first full-length bluegrass album since 2008’s Wheels. So accordingly, eager bluegrass and Tyminski fans were awaiting this LP with impish anticipation upon its announcement.

And it’s not exactly as if Tyminski was absent from the music scene in the ensuing decade-and-a-half between albums. He continued to tour and record with Union Station, releasing 2011’s Grammy winning Paper Airplane, and his 2017 album Southern Gothic blended elements of multiple genres (including gospel, blues, rock, and country). He also lent his vocals to the global smash “Hey Brother” by the late Swedish DJ Avicii, collaborated with multiple artists both in and out of the bluegrass scene, and has continued touring both with Union Station and as a solo artist.

Even so: we music geeks adore a full-length album that goes right back to the source, and God Fearing Heathen does not disappoint. Tyminski and his band crafted an unabashedly straightforward but undeniably top-notch bluegrass record from start to finish. God Fearing Heathen doesn’t steer too far from what I suppose you would call bluegrass “expectations”; most songs hover around the three minute mark, and the entire album is just over a half-hour long. But then this is not an exercise in experimentation and envelope-pushing; God Fearing Heathen is a celebration of spirited, soulful, contemplative, and joyful bluegrass music by one of its most skillful artists.

Review

So yeah, this album is akin to floating down your favorite local waterway on an inner-tube, letting the wind and warmth wash over you in a blast of musical exuberance. Even when the subject matter deals with emotional abandonment in “Never Comin’ Home”, post-war trauma in “Silence in the Brandy”, existential quandaries with “God Fearing Heathen”, or the sting of a betrayed heart in “Occam’s Razor”, the music shines with exquisite craft, care, and skill. Tyminski’s soulful baritone vocals anchor each song with a reassuring veritas, augmented by those sweet harmonies from Harry Clark (mandolin), Maddie Denton (fiddle), and Gavin Largent (dobro).

The entire band, also including Grace Davis on bass and Jason Davis on banjo, is a highlight. And lest we think the album is entirely focused on the more melancholic side, there’s plenty of uplifting bounce and spirited playfulness. My favorite brown spirit gets all the love in “Keep Your Eye On Kentucky”, a heartfelt ode to bourbon with some cheeky wordplay thrown in:

Yeah, tonight I’m feeling lucky
‘Cause there ain’t no place that I would rather be
Up on Heaven Hill I’ll go for roses wild
Floating down Knob Creek in our maker’s redneck style

Keep your eye on Kentucky

“Go for roses…” Well played, Dan.

God Fearing Heathen also features a charming bluegrass return to “Hey Brother”, and it’s a natural fit for Tyminski and band. “Never Met A Stranger” is a spirited, up-tempo ode to life on the road and the faces met therein. We meet the deaf, dumb, and blind Billy, the greatest guitarist no one would ever know, in “G.O.A.T”, the most unlikely of miracles.

“No Song To Sing” takes a folksier, more country approach, celebrating the love of bluegrass itself, elevating it to salvation levels of praise. It’s a fine track, with some incredible vocal work and especially pleasing musical cohesion between guitar, banjo, and dobro. And perhaps nothing could exemplify bluegrass any more than the King of Bluegrass himself Jimmy Martin, the subject of album closer “Ode To Jimmy”. It’s a straightforward yet joyously heartfelt way to end the record with the same style and drive we’ve enjoyed over the previous nine tracks.

And in closing…

From its opening notes to the final chord, God Fearing Heathen offers a captivating melodic bluegrass experience. The album exudes confidence in its identity and executes its vision flawlessly. My only wish? That there was more of it. I so wanted the album to keep going. And yet its succinct runtime only highlights its engaging quality and spirited delivery.

What similar albums does ChatGPT recommend?

While it behooves me to remind my readers that every word you just read is 100% Mills, let’s ask our friendly neighborhood AI for some similar album recommendations.

The Muscle Shoals Recordings – The SteelDrivers (2015) A gritty blend of soul and bluegrass, this album captures the raw essence of American roots music. The tracks are characterized by powerful vocals and a deep connection to traditional bluegrass sounds, but with a modern edge.

Punch – Punch Brothers (2008) Chris Thile and company explore the boundaries of bluegrass with progressive, complex arrangements and virtuosic instrumentation. This record deftly combines traditional techniques with contemporary themes, making it a must-listen for those seeking a fresh perspective on bluegrass.

Follow Me Down – Sarah Jarosz (2011) A prodigious talent, Jarosz melds bluegrass with hints of folk and country, crafting songs that resonate with deep emotion. Her adept banjo and mandolin playing, combined with her poignant lyrics, make this album a standout.

The Harrow & The Harvest – Gillian Welch (2011) Steeped in the traditions of Appalachian music, this album is a minimalist masterpiece. Welch and her musical partner David Rawlings deliver haunting harmonies and intricate acoustic guitar work that transport listeners to another time and place.

Laws of Gravity – The Infamous Stringdusters (2017) This contemporary bluegrass band brings a mix of energetic jams and soulful ballads, all anchored by masterful musicianship. The album is a celebration of bluegrass traditions while also pushing the genre into new territories.

Output from ChatGPT, OpenAI to Mills 11 August 2023