Dirtmusic

The self-titled debut album by Dirtmusic’s combination of musicians — Chris Eckman, Chris Brokaw and Hugo Race, each familiar from their main bands like the Walkabouts, Come, and the Bad Seeds, makes a striking statement about the importance of a good ensemble of talented performers. Playing a variety of  instruments throughout, with Brokaw handling percussion along with Race, the trio perform a series of elegant, often folk-tinged songs, feeling like a good gentle jam session. Eckman’s first song, “The Other Side,” is a real beauty, while Race’s “Sun City Casino” and Brokaw’s “Summer Days” also stand out.