Response

At age 51, when most artists are riding on their past accomplishments or fading into the sunset, Jerry Joseph remains one of the most prolific and powerful songwriters – not to mention performers – on the scene. And there’s a strong argument to be made that his lack of major success has kept his music vital, engaged and honest. With Happy Book, a sprawling double disc backed by his power trio of 17 years, the Jackmormons, Joseph shows off his range from driving, methodical rock assaults where we meet chicks with dicks, to slow burning numbers that reveal hints of Vic Chesnutt, joyous, reggae-inflected rhythms that recall his days with Little Women, up-tempo country-rock rave-ups, and ultimately, salvation with another Joseph epic “The Road Home.” Featuring horns, harmonies and other help from members of The Decemberists, Richmond Fontaine, Blitzen Trapper’s Eric Earley, Wally Ingram and more, this stands as one of Joseph’s finest efforts to date.