Description
the release of Blues Funeral back in February, Mark Lanegan Band have recorded four songs for the thirteenth installment in the 4AD Sessions series.
Pull Studios in Manhattan’s Hudson Square played understated host to a session that leans heavily on Mark’s indelible voice and undeniable presence, as well as the intensity and precision of his band. Filmed during a break in rehearsals for a New York City show that was to herald the release of the album, the session captures a band fully sharpened and itching to hit the road (US dates begin May 10 and are listed below).
Tearing through four stand-out tracks from Blues Funeral, the performance ripples with a quiet fury that will be familiar to all those who’ve followed Mark over a career spanning more than two decades. Backed by a band as skilled as Mark is charismatic, the ambitious range of tracks such as ‘Harborview Hospital’ sit comfortably beside the barely concealed rage of ‘The Gravedigger’s Song’, reminding once again why Blues Funeral is such a rewarding listen.
Unlike other sessions in the series in which a firmly defined visual concept was central to capturing the performance, the intention here was to strip away any studio trickery in order to allow the band to stand-alone. That this simplified approach remains so powerful is testament to the inimitable quality of the music on show and Mark Lanegan’s enduring allure.
Session directed by Robert Semmer – http://robertsemmer.com/
TRACKLISTING 1. The Gravedigger’s Song
2. St. Louis Elegy
3. Riot In My House
4. Harborview Hospital
CREDITS Director: Robert Semmer
Producer: Robert Semmer
Director of Photography: William Voermann
Additional Camera: Anthony Mathile & Robert Semmer
Assistant Camera: Adam Gong
Gaffer: Rome Peterson
Editor: David Feinberg
Colorist: Paul Shin
Sound recorded by Mitch Davis and mixed by Jeff Curtin
4AD on the web: http://4ad.com/
