Joe Henry - Scar

From roots rocker to songwriting impressionist to sonic adventurer, the musical progression of Joe Henry resists category and defies expectation. The album-opening "Richard Pryor Addresses a Tearful Nation" is Henry's most audacious move to date, as his smoky voice channels the comedian's tragic spirit while a saxophone break from free-jazz titan Ornette Coleman provides achingly poignant punctuation. The rest of the song cycle ranges from the sophisticated atmospherics of "Stop" (adapted by Henry's sister-in-law Madonna into her hit single, "Don't Tell Me") to the insistent funk of "Rough and Tumble." The production by Henry and Craig Street gives the music plenty of room to breathe, augmenting the organic interplay of guitarist Marc Ribot, pianist Brad Mehldau, and bassist Me'shell Ndegeocello with bittersweet string arrangements. Though there are echoes of Van Morrison in "Mean Flower" and the Band in "Cold Enough to Cross," Henry is less a classicist than a restless visionary. --Don McLeese Amazon.com

Exceeds expectations

I purchased this album to hear Henry's take on Madonna's "Don't Tell Me, entitled "Stop" on this album! Not only was I blown away by his version, but the rest of the album had me absolutley captivated from start to finish! What a pity, then, that we know so little of Henry in Australia! Do yourself a favour and buy this album! You won't regret it! April 16, 2008

Wonderful

Beautifully done album, packed with music. Just want to listen to it over and over again. July 6, 2005

A mark so fine, yet still a scar.....

Madonna's brother-in-law, JH has his original song, "Stop" on this cd, which she turned into the country-pop of "Don't Tell Me." His version is a slinky, slow to resolve, eastern-influenced shuffle worthy of many, many, many repeated listenings! The second best song, "Scar," is a soft, yet shattering lament followed by 3 minutes of silence, and then, a rocking 10-minute jam session as a hidden track! If you're new to JH, I suggest "Fuse" as your first purchase, as the songs on "Scar" can get long-winded, fast. June 3, 2003

Love Joe Henry

I have this album and man, do I love the song, "Stop." When I first heard it, I thought "one wonder Madonna wrote "Don't Tell Me" great songs, great musician and hopefully Madonna can sign Joe Henry to her label April 11, 2003

Late Night Music

He is Madonna's brother-in-law, but he sounds more like Tom Waits' baby brother. This is late night lounge music for those who like it dark, moody and Ornette Coleman dissonant. Coleman, in fact, plays on the album which, in itself, puts a million miles between this and what is played on your radio these days. Henry's earlier album Trampoline is still an enduring favorite. But, like Waits, his degree of difficulty increases with each record. As a result, he doesn't stick every landing. But it is always a delightful and, frequently, gratifying treat to listen to him try. December 7, 2002

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