Simon Flory: Haul These Blues Away
Photo by Lyza Renee
Do you remember the feeling of hot, summer days; the way the heat of the day gave way to a purple twilight, while you listened to cicadas in the trees and chased the occasional firefly as it twinkled in the quickly fading light? It’s a feeling I look back on with nostalgia, where things seemed simple, yet somehow comforting. This is what Simon Flory’s newest album, Haul These Blues Away, feels like. Like a memory that strikes a chord in you and so you replay it again and again, only in the form of a collection of songs that feel more like a collection of short stories. In a way this is true, as Simon pulls from his own memories for all his music, “it’s suffused with the elements of his childhood – days spent in the fields, church sings, gravel roads, and genuine mule drawn molasses.” Aside from elements from his childhood, Haul These Blues Away also draws on inspiration from events and themes that have been prevalent in the last four years, “the duress of a divided country: the racial strife, authoritarianism, anti-democratic governance, the collapse of the agriculture sector, and loss of many folks' 'way of life.' "
Flory, an Indiana native, spent time in both Chicago and the Ozarks, before settling down in Texas, where he’s remained for almost a decade. His background in different musical styles, such as bluegrass and gospel give his music the sound of being well-rounded and robust. All but two of the songs on Haul These Blues Away were recorded in the home studio of Clay Parker and Jodi James, a talented duo in their own right, who also brought their vocal and instrumental accompaniment to a few songs. In addition to his timeless vocals, Flory showcases his adept playing of both the banjo and Appalachian fiddle within the songs.
It’s difficult for me to just choose a few tracks to encourage others to check out, as they are all worthy of attention in their own right. If you want a song that sounds like it could have been at home on a Jimmie Rodgers record, then listen to “If My Mule Had Wings.” The prominence of the banjo throughout the song, as well as the percussion accompaniment and mournful tale of the mule, are pure, old country.
As an Oklahoma native, it gives me great joy when artists, especially those not from here, include songs that reference our great state. That being said, it should come as no surprise that I’m partial to Flory’s song, “Atoka.” It’s always fun to be able to identify with towns, people or references that those native to the state understand. The fact that Jodi James contributes vocals on this track only makes it that much better. At its core, it’s a love song, but don’t expect any sappy, or trite phrases within it. Only the musings of someone who realizes his love might not be perfect and reflects upon this fact while traveling throughout the state, on his way back to the one he loves.
“Let’s do something different tonight, not get drunk and start to fight
Whisper my name…I forget how it sounds”
“Walking Stick” is probably the closest thing you’ll find to a ballad on this album, and it’s one I find myself returning to again and again. The guitar intro is vaguely reminiscent of Jason Isbell’s, “Cover Me Up,” which I mean as nothing less than a compliment. The combination of Simon and Daisy O’Connor’s voices is magical, and the addition of the violin and cello create a sweeping build-up that crescendos and compliments the voices perfectly.
Haul These Blues Away is easily Flory’s best album to date. Maybe it’s the killer combination of storytelling, the impeccable layering of instruments within the songs and relatable lyrics. Or, maybe it’s due to the fact that Flory has been doing this for so long that his continued growth as an artist is becoming more obvious with each album he puts out. At any rate, it’s an album that you should listen to, more than once. Perhaps, it will stir up memories worth revisiting, as it did for me. Or, maybe you’ll listen to it and delve deeper into what topics of today influenced some of these songs.
Find out more about Simon Flory at the following links:
