The Levon Helm Band: The Midnight Ramble Sessions Volume 3

Glenn BurnSilver on August 6, 2014

Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble sessions, held in his Woodstock, N.Y., barn are legendary, with a who’s-who of top musicians “dropping by” to jam alongside The Levon Helm Band. Compiled shortly before Helm’s 2012 death, Volume 3 arrives with an eclectic baker’s dozen of performances, spanning 2005 to 2010, positioned in true Ramble style—opening and closing in upbeat fashion, with a stellar acoustic breather in the middle. Guests include Chris Robinson, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, among others, and include tracks by Bob Dylan (“Simple Twist of Fate”), Larry Campbell (“I’m a Jealous Man”), Al Green (“Take Me to the River”—sung by Helm) and Blind Willie Johnson (“God Don’t Never Change”). A few Helm-composed numbers are rightfully included, in this case, “Drivin’ Wheel,” “One More Shot” and “The Same Thing.” In Volume 3, there’s no denying the joy with which Helm played music.

Artist: The Levon Helm Band
Album: The Midnight Ramble Sessions Volume 3
Label: Vanguard