levonhelm1

Levon Helm gets voice back, playing Beacon Theater

Levon Helm

Levon Helm‘s new CD sounds like a time capsule. Close your eyes while listening to his first solo studio album in 25 years and try to convince yourself it’s not the work of a 1930s-era singer.

Helm, famous for his work with The Band, manages to sound old and new at the same time by returning to his rural roots in Dirt Farmer. Of its 13 songs, five are traditional while the other eight are covers of songs by Steve Earle, A.P. Carter and others. The newer songs mix perfectly with the old, thanks in large part to the production work done by multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell and Amy Helm, Levon’s daughter.

Helm would sound great even if he wasn’t making his first recording since doctors told him in 1998 that throat cancer would end his singing career. Here, he sounds relaxed and at home with the music he loves. [Associated Press]

The NYC shows are March 7th & 8th. Tickets on sale Friday.