As compilation albums go, this collection of tunes can be tackled and enjoyed in a variety of different approaches. First up, at seventy-one minutes long there is enough meat to sit back and soak up a load of songs that formed the signature sound of Oklahoma. This captures a heady mix of rock, soul, country and blues, or these days just attract the tag Americana Alternately, there are seventeen tracks from a wide range of Oklahoma artists, of whom some you may be tempted to explore further to expand an interest in this type of music. To cap the exploration opportunities, a group of contemporary artists and musicians have lent their hand to the project, and these no doubt would appreciate you taking more than a passing interest in their own music.
BACK TO PARADISE draws its title from project's primary aim of resurrecting Leon Russell's classic Paradise studio and recording the first album there in over forty years. The artists invited to participate in the project are all Tulsa musicians and have added their own finesse in recording the songs specially selected to frame a golden age of Okie music.
It doesn't take a huge amount of prior knowledge in the content to take something from the album. From those covered, I don't travel much past awareness of Leon Russell, JJ Cale, the song famed by Carla Thomas and Otis Redding, and The Gap Band. Looking at the list of contributors, John Fullbright is the stand out name in terms of previous engagement and being a fan of his music will always share a favourable light on any project he is involved him. The other familiar name is Jesse Aycock, who toured with Carter Sampson a couple of years ago and has his finger in the pies of much music emanating out of his home state.
If like me you have warmed to fellow Oklahoma artists like John Moreland and Parker Millsap as well as the three previously mentioned, and have a feeling for quality songs with a contemporary roots twist, there is ample merit to dive deeper into this compilation album and enhance your appreciation.
The album gets its release on Horton Records and like so many valuable records in this modern age is available on the artist friendly platform Bandcamp. A source that is easily accessible for fans anywhere in the world to at least download and stream. There is a super little write up on the tracks chosen in the credit section on the Bandcamp page to partner the process of just kicking back and absorbing a sound that seals Oklahoma's place in the pantheon of iconic American music.
