Kentucky singer/songwriter Tyler Childers follows-up 2019’s critically acclaimed Country Squire with Long Violent History – an understated protest album that attempts to place the political protests of 2020 within a broader context. As a supporter of Black Lives Matter, Childers asks fellow Kentuckians to consider what it’s like if they had to “live through the same experiences as their black neighbors do, would they then acknowledge that institutional racism exists” with the title-track – the only track with vocals on the album. The first eight tracks on Long Violent History are instrumental and nearly all the tracks are bluegrass standards setting up the walloping album closer “Long Violent History” – the only original track. Other notable tracks include: the fiddle-driven cover of Stephen Sondheim’s 1973 show tune “Send In The Clowns”; the mournful tune “Zollie’s Retreat”; the sprightly version of the traditional Appalachian song “Squirrel Hunter”; a version of the traditional Civil War-era song “Camp Chase”; and a cover of the Bill Monroe classic “Jenny Lynn.” Long Violent History is another impressive album from Tyler Childers especially since he took on some of the fiddle work on the album with less than a year of experience with the instrument. Proceeds from Long Violent History benefit underserved communities Childers is speaking to in his political statement found on the video for “Long Violent History” via Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund. Childers and his wife Senora May established the fund this year, in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Brett Cobb, Charley Crockett, JP Harris, Sturgill Simpson, Joshua Ray Walker, Colter Wall