The Midnight Broadcast
2021
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Peter Case's "The Midnight Broadcast," released on March 12, 2021, is his first album of new material since 2015. The album evokes the feeling of a late-night drive, tuning into a radio station that's fading in and out. It's described as a transmission from another world, featuring songs of cowboys, lovers, fighters, and shipwrecked sailors. The collection includes covers of folk and blues songs, as well as one original by Case.
The album is designed to mimic the experience of searching for music on the AM dial while driving through America's heartland at night. It features a mix of genres, including blues, folk, and rock. Ross Johnson plays the role of a DJ with a voice reminiscent of Finnegans Wake, adding to the album's surreal atmosphere. The recording took place in The Old Whaling Church on Martha's Vineyard in late 2019.
Recording Info
Recorded in late 2019 at The Old Whaling Church, Martha's Vineyard. Produced by Ron Franklin.
Track Highlights
- Just Hanging On — An early Case original, a piano pop ballad.
- Early Roman Kings (Bob Dylan) — A bluesy take on Dylan's song.
- This Wheel's on Fire (Bob Dylan and Rick Danko (The Band)) — A folk guitar backed version of the Dylan/The Band collaboration.
- Bumble Bee (Memphis Minnie) — A starlight turn of Memphis Minnie's song.
- When I Was a Cowboy (Leadbelly (Out On The Western Plains)) — A bluesy nugget from the public domain.
- Grey Funnel Line (Cyril Tawney) — A haunting farewell song.
- Dinah (Harry Akst) — Slowed down version of the jazz standard.
- Oh the Morning President Kennedy (Sleepy John Estes) — A stately blues rumination.
- Charlie James (Mance Lipscomb) — Features Case's finger picking skills.
Personnel
- Peter Case (Guitar, Piano, Harmonica, Organ, Vocals)
- Ron Franklin (Producer, Synthesizer [Moog], Maracas)
- Bert Deivert (Mandolin, Vocals, Drums)
- Lee Fortier (Harmonica, Vocals)
- Cindy Wasserman (Vocals)
- Ross Johnson (The DJ)
- Russ Hensley (Engineer [Additional Engineering])
- Leah Case (Design)
- Bill Hutchison (Management)
Significance
The album is described as an unusual entry in Peter Case's career, simulating the mystical sensation of listening to the radio. It's a thought-provoking and dream-like experience that interweaves music, sound effects, and spoken word segments. Some critics note that the album feels like a letter from a familiar home, reminding listeners of what's important during the pandemic. Peter Case's work on the album has been lauded as authentic, passionate, and imaginative, blending folk, blues, and rock elements.
The album was recorded in an old church with incredible reverberation and natural echo.
Track List
Apple Music
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