Since Douglas McCombs’s long-running project Brokeback evolved from a solo endeavor into a quartet lineup seven years ago, he and his cohorts have engaged in an exquisitely patient act of retrenchment and refinement. The striking new Illinois River Valley Blues (Thrill Jockey) is the first record from the group in four years, during which Jim Elkington transferred from drums to the role of second guitarist and Areif Sless-Kitain (Eternals) took over the drum throne.…
Since Douglas McCombs’s long-running project Brokeback evolved from a solo endeavor into a quartet lineup seven years ago, he and his cohorts have engaged in an exquisitely patient act of retrenchment and refinement. The striking new Illinois River Valley Blues (Thrill Jockey) is the first record from the group in four years, during which Jim Elkington transferred from drums to the role of second guitarist and Areif Sless-Kitain (Eternals) took over the drum throne.…