Buddy Miller has been a significant behind-the-scenes contributor as a sideman, songwriter, engineer and producer for a number of artists over the years, including his wife Julie, Emmylou Harris, and Steve Earle. All this activity has kept his own considerable talents from getting exposure.
Poison Love, Miller's latest album, showcases his vocals and musicianship. He has a classic country voice, suited to singing laments about lost love or soulful declarations of devotion, that fits in well with the plaintive wail of a steel guitar or a rollicking violin. And Miller has few peers as a guitarist in the genre.
The supporting cast is strong, as many of the artists Buddy has worked with return the favor. Julie Miller co-wrote most of the songs on the album with her husband, and harmonizes pleasantly on many of the songs. Steve Earle contributes vocals to the title cut. Emmylou Harris adds guitar to two tracks. Tammy Rogers adds fiddle and mandolin. Phil Madeira plays organ. With such talent behind him, it's a shame that many of the songs are so short: six of the thirteen run less than three minutes each.
Buddy Miller is a serious talent with engaging modesty. The cover art on the album doesn't have any clear pictures of him and the liner notes don't even credit his vocals. You probably haven't heard of him, and that's a crying shame. This is an album well worth hearing.
4 tocks
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