Levon Helm

The hoopla over Dirt Farmer is the return of Levon Helm’s voice, nearly lost to throat cancer in the late ’90s. But the record’s key pleasure is savoring the former Band drummer’s inimitable groove. His blissfully deep syncopation on “The Mountain” instantly recalls the awesome bounce of “Up on Cripple Creek” and other classics.

And yes, his vocals really do soar. A variety of traditional selections, graced with tastefully lush production courtesy of daughter Amy and Larry Campbell, show off Helm’s patented gutsy twang—craggier now, but no less fiery. “Anna Lee” and “Got Me a Woman” show that the singer is still equally adept at heartache and mischief, respectively. If on some songs, such as “Poor Old Dirt Farmer,” the folksy vibe seems a tad forced, this is still an invaluable showcase for one of our finest roots specialists.

——Hank Shteamer