Rockin' Our Turntable: Black Dub

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 16, 2010 5:40PM

Even if you don't know who Daniel Lanois is, you know who he is. As a producer, early on he cut his teeth collaborating on several albums with Brian Eno. That was eventually parlayed into a long-term stint as U2's go-to producer; and since then he's manned the boards for everyone from Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, and Emmylou Harris to Neil Young, whose newest album Le Noise was affectionately named in his honor.

But the Quebec-born Lanois is also a fine musician and songwriter in his own right, with a loose-limbed earthiness that's evocative but unpretentious. We have fond memories of the last time we saw him perform, a Park West concert a few years back where his backing band was Tortoise (!) His newest project, Black Dub, is a sort of supergroup completely free of the gargantuan egos usually associated with such a venture. The rhythm section consists of Louisiana native Daryl Johnson, on bass, and fiery New Orleans drummer Brian Blade, who's equally at home in a rock or jazz context. Vocals are shared by Lanois, sounding like strong black coffee on a winter morning, and Trixie Whitley, the daughter of the late Texas bluesman Chris Whitley. Her voice has a muscular soul that punches everything across with gripping authority.

And what of the music? As with most other Lanois ventures, it's a boundary-busting melange. Scratchy, echo-laden guitars and a rhythm section that's always in the pocket rub up against gospel soul shouting, the warmth of electric piano, and even some subtle electronic textures. NPR is currently streaming the new album. A few listens in and it's really growing on us; we especially like the dubby track "I Believe In You" and the groove-heavy instrumental "Slow Baby". Their live show should be an evening full of solid tunes.

Daniel Lanois' Black Dub plays on November 23 at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln, 9 p.m., $25, 21+