Jeffrey Halford & the Healers
Rainmaker
Shoeless Halford impresses on this inventive set that features mesmerizing songs like "Lost Highway," a bluesy, really hopped-up rocking slice of Americana that takes roots music way back by incorporating Native American rhythms, and the organ-driven, guitar buzzing "Play Some Vinyl." Halford's voice has a bit of a Tom Petty quality that comes out here and there, especially noticeable on slower, quieter numbers like the reflective "Joaquin." Halford really hits his stride on "Rainmaker," a plea for a way out of hard times set to an eerie-sounding western shuffle and again hinting at Native American music, this time through the vocals. Halford has put out a bunch of records previously but not for about seven years now so he can be considered a new voice at this point. But Rainmaker will have lots of new fans cozying up with those already hip to this very talented artist.
