Joe Ely
Love and Danger

Originally from Amarillo, the Texan Joe Ely, despite the excellence of his musical productions, has never had a devoted following and has always remained, at least here in Italy, a cult artist. Yet his "Honky Tonk Masquerade," the follow-up to his self-titled debut in 1977, is rightly considered a classic of roots-rock, as it is divided between classic Hank Williams-style country melancholy, deadly rock and roll, and poignant ballads. Even Rolling Stone magazine went so far as to call it one of the best albums of the 1970s. The Clash, in their phase of fully embracing their artistic roots, were so fascinated by this proud character and his tough but expressive songs of love and lies that they invited Joe Ely to support their glorious English concerts in 1980, thus presenting their fans with this country-rock singer from Texas.
It was thanks to Strummer and company's influence that his sound underwent some decisive modifications. The subsequent "Live Shots" and "Musta Notta Gotta Lotta" indeed show a sound orientation sometimes too electric. At this point, Joe Ely should have become famous, but commercial success remained modest for an artist, in the end, too independent for traditional country radio and too country for rock stations. But fortunately for Ely, music has always mattered more than sales and popularity charts. Music that from that moment on would reflect all his simple Texas wisdom, trading the early days' country spirit for a series of direct, squared-off riffs and rhythms oriented towards basic rock, the same that had been baptized years earlier by another important Texan: Buddy Holly.
Thus albums like "Lord Of The Highway," where the guitar of the great David Grissom, an inseparable partner in the following years, stands out, "Dig All Night" and the adrenaline-pumping, unmissable "Live At Liberty Lunch" are all albums that still shine today with unmatched beauty. This remarkable artistic journey led Joe Ely to release in 1992 "Love And Danger", one of his best albums. Alongside a solid and fiery reinterpretation of the classic "Settle For Love", a track loved even by Bruce Springsteen, which only chance did not turn into a timeless classic, stand out the blues-rock of "Pins And Needles", the elegant stride of "She Collected", and the fiery journey of "Highways And Heartaches". Joe Ely also makes room for a series of enveloping and alluring ballads: "Slow You Down", "Love Is The Beating Of Hearts", and the opening "Sleepless In Love" are examples of a clear-minded, confident, and complete songwriter. The work is completed by some cover versions penned by notable writers: "Every Night About This Time" by Dave Alvin and the traveler's anthem "The Road Goes On Forever" by Robert Earl Keen, both ennobled by the excellent guitar work of the usual Grissom and Ian Moore, at the time a young six-string star.

"Love And Danger" is just one of the ideal albums to approach Joe Ely's musical offerings, a true, serious, and honest artist who would reach his creative peak in 1995 with "Letter To Laredo," one of the finest albums of the 1990s. A total, engaging, and meticulously crafted work. A majestic musical fresco rich in high-quality songs, made even more unique by the presence of great and welcome guests.