My Life

by Iris DeMent

Overview

Like Infamous Angel, My Life opens on a light note, which is hardly adequate preparation for the emotional turbulence that follows. The album is dedicated to Iris Dement's father, who passed away prior to its release, and although there are some scattered moments of joy here, they are largely absorbed by a collection of songs dealing with primal anguish and longing. DeMent's writing has hardened a bit, producing her most mature and encompassing song in "No Time to Cry," which serves as an anchor for the album's rich sentimentality and is also an indication, in its social obsessions, of the direction her next album would take. Elsewhere, DeMent's songcraft remains exceptional but, as before, the true magic is in her voice, which imbues even the simplest songs with perfect, pure emotion. Highlights include Maybelle Carter's "Troublesome Waters," "Easy's Gettin' Harder Every Day," and a terrific rendition of Lefty Frizzell's "Mom and Dad's Waltz." The gorgeous title track closes the album, a piano-cello duet that is one of her most moving performances. For those who appreciate DeMent's rough-hewn voice, it is nearly impossible to exaggerate the beauty of these recordings. ~ Jim Smith

Product Details

Release Date:	10/18/2024
Label:	Yep Roc Records
UPC:	0634457159211
Rank:	132964

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Iris DeMent   Primary Artist,Vocals,Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar
Joy White   Guest Artist,Vocal Harmony
Stuart Duncan   Guest Artist,Flute,Fiddle,Mandolin
Robin & Linda Williams   Guest Artist
Kenny Malone   Percussion
Jack Clement   Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic)
John Catchings   Cello
Mark Howard   Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic)
Robin Williams   Vocals (Background)
Richard Bennett   Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Guitar (12 String)
Phil Parlapiano   Accordion
Joy Lynn White   Vocal Harmony
Pat McInerney   Drums
Charles Cochran   Piano,Keyboards
Linda Williams   Vocal Harmony,Vocals (Background)
Pete Wasner   Piano,Keyboards
Al Perkins   Dobro
Pat McIrney   Drums
Roy M. "Junior" Husky   Bass,Bass (Upright)

Technical Credits

Iris DeMent   Composer,Liner Notes
Lefty Frizzell   Composer
Mother Maybelle Carter   Composer
Jim Rooney   Producer
Denny Purcell   Mastering
Richard Adler   Mixing,Engineer
Carlos Grier   Digital Editing
Linda Cobb   Design,Art Direction
Richard Alder   Engineer
Victor Bracke   Photography
Dixie Deen   Composer
Kelley McCall   Photography