Review: 'Burning The Bigtop Down' Mike Younger

Mike Younger

By Chris Wheatley

There’s a fascinating back-story behind this release, which is sure to generate plenty of eager anticipation amongst blues fans. First, there is Mike Younger himself, a talented singer-songwriter in the great American roots tradition, which stretches back through Dylan to Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie.

Younger, the story goes, was a homeless, hustling street musician when a radio appearance brought him to the attention of another notable songwriter, Rodney Crowell. From there, a record contract followed, resulting in a debut album, Somethin’ In The Air, in 1999. Work commenced on Burning The Bigtop Down two years later at Sounds Unreel studios, in collaboration with The Band’s Levon Helm and legendary producer Jim Dickinson. A cast of contemporary greats also lent their talents, not least Bob Dylan himself, alongside David Hood and Spooner Oldham (the latter both alumni of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section). Other notable players are Bob Britt (Bob Dylan) Regina McCray, Cody and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) and more.

After nine tracks were complete, a call came from Younger’s label, shutting the project down irrevocably. Astonishingly, Younger spent the next twenty years fighting to reclaim his work. It wasn’t until Sounds Unreel Studio’s owner passed away that the tapes finally found their way back to Younger, and terms negotiated to release the music. I’m pleased to say that it was well worth the wait and Burning The Bigtop Down is released August 27.

“Together” opens the set. “Sisters brothers, boys and girls, come on and dream about a different world,” sings Younger, over jaunty piano and strummed guitar, before the track blossoms into a full-fledged, rainbow-coloured delight. There’s an innocence here, an honesty which is wonderful to hear. With call-and-response vocals, a pleasingly loose rhythm section and splashes of harmonica, Younger and co send us on a sun-drenched trip down sparkling waters. Younger’s vocals are strong and warm, rough-edged and human. He sings with earnestness and belief.

“Laying Low” rolls out on gently strummed guitar, piano and keys. It’s a country ballad with grit and a certain urban wistfulness. Bruce Springsteen would be a good comparison, though there’s also more than a smattering of deep soul music here; Southern rock with an open world view.

Compositionally, Burning The Bigtop Down is full of lush vibes, keening brass and gospel tinges. At its heart, though, is some fine song writing and some top-notch playing. Songs echo and swell, though never in an obvious or telegraphed manner. “Lord Of The Fleas” burns and bounces with a shambling, ragtime feel. “We don’t even share the same reality,” laments Younger, “divided we fall, united we stand, that’s the way we do it in the promised land.” This is in no way negative music, however, it is at once a celebration of, and a call for, decency and unity. Throughout it all, Younger’s rootsy, earthy charm shines through.

“Devil’s On The Rise” cuts cool and hot with a spirit of contemporary blues rock. There’s a classy sheen here, and some frankly beautiful production. Instruments coalesce and sparkle, horns rise and fall, and extended chords suspend the whole. “Desdemona” takes us out, a good old-fashioned love song which, in Younger’s hands, glows with freshness. Says the man himself: “I greatly admire those writers who have lent their voices to the struggle for equity in our society, like John Lennon, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley and others.” With this release, Younger can proudly add his name to that list.

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