Michelle Shocked : Arkansas Traveler

Part three of the trilogy that began with Short Sharp Shocked, Arkansas Traveler focuses this time on American roots music of the South, mainly rural-blues and country; according to her theory in the album's liner notes, all of these songs are based on the legacy of blackface minstrels. Recorded with a mobile studio at various non-conventional locations around the country, it features an amazing array of guest musicians including Pops Staples, Doc Watson, and Gatemouth Brown. Those who were put off by the unexpected direction of Captain Swing will certainly welcome this return to form -- her best since Short Sharp Shocked.
-- Chris Woodstra, All-Music Guide

Levon Helm and Garth Hudson backs Michelle on track 3, "Secret to a Long Life."

Tracks

1. 33 R.P.M. Soul
2. Come a Long Way
3. Secret to a Long Life
4. Contest Coming (Cripple Creek)
5. Over the Waterfall
6. Shaking Hands (Soldier's Joy)
7. Jump Jim Crow/Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
8. Hold Me Back (Frankie & Johnny)
9. Strawberry Jam
10. Prodigal Daughter (Cotton Eyed Joe)
11. Blackberry Blossom
12. Weaving Way
13. Arkansas Traveler
14. Woody's Rag

Sidemen

• Levon Helm, mandolin/vocal
• Garth Hudson, accordion/keyboards

Michelle Shocked - Arkansas Traveler - 58:47 - 1991 - Mercury 314-512101-2

AMG Rating: 7 (out of 9)