Tribute To was recorded in the days following the passing of George Harrison, and it consists of Jim James’ home-recorded covers of six Harrison solo or Harrison-penned Beatles tunes. “I felt like I was in the weirdest head space when I did that EP … I felt really confused a lot of the time. I wanted to just do it and let it come out even if I messed stuff up. It's definitely not the tightest or most professional recording you're ever going to hear in your life but I like that. I think it lends it a more childish atmosphere.” Although originally recorded in 2001, just a few years into the James’ career with My Morning Jacket, Tribute To was only released in 2009, nearly 8 years later. Demand for the record has since snowballed, and we’re finally being treated to a fresh reissue with new artwork and an extra track from the original sessions: James’ version of “If Not For You,” which was actually originally recorded by Bob Dylan but covered by Harrison a month later on his All Things Must Pass album. James’ rough acoustic versions breathe new life into the songs by the most underrated Beatle (or is that Ringo’s spot? j/k…); check out “Long, Long, Long” and “My Sweet Lord.”

• new artwork
• includes previously unreleased track
• digital download included
• music label: ATO Records 2017

reviewed by frau farbissina 12/2017