Sometimes simplicity and melody are just the way to go, and Aaron Raitiere’s latest album Lazy Dog is a perfect example. With influences including Johnny Cash, Howlin’ Wolf and Gram Parsons, Raitiere’s mix of acoustic blues, country and bluegrass presents impressive songwriting, and is also pleasing to the average ear.
His alternative country-bluegrass style is something you’ve heard before, but the presentation of the genre is astute and almost brilliant. Songs such “Lazy Dog Blues” and “Leavin’ You For Me” leave the listener ready to move with porch-stompin’ attitude, and Raitiere’s placement of lyrics suggests a humorous tone with an underlying twist of reality. In many regards, Raitiere shows the signs of a true storyteller, bringing his down-home Kentucky upbringing to the forefront.
By listening to the album you can understand why Murfreesboro resident Raitiere is more than just another modern dirty bluegrass player, he grasps in detail the images of the country lifestyle. He takes the simple life and presents a picturesque scenario, revealing the humor of country life, but also the troubles of the common working man. The only issue with this album is it lacks variety, and a few of the songs sound a bit too similar, but this may because Raitiere is following a distinctive bluegrass/country style.
With a degree from Cornell and an Honorable Mention Award in 2005 for the International Songwriting Competition in Roots/Americana Music (competing against 11,000+ entries), Raitiere has shown his talent in arrangement and melody. His deep, smooth voice is able to carry the message of his songs well, and his delivery of lyrics is very deliberate, allowing the song to build almost to the breaking point, but then slowly falling back to his hook lines, leaving room for the listener to take a deep breath and relax.
Raitiere’s use of simple three-chord progressions actually makes it that much more enjoyable to listen to. The production of the album is not bad for a lower budget recording, but the feel of the actual sound makes you think to a time sitting with friends by the fire and talking about everything from work to old flames.
Basically, the album just makes you feel at home. Check it out at onetoothrecords.com.
