Album Review // Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms // Gold in Your Pocket

Free Dirt Records

5/5 stars

Some classic country and bluegrass fans are xenophobic towards artists located west of the Mississippi. Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms have created a solid international reputation for themselves over the past 10+ years while being anchored in the oceanside conifers and high deserts of Washington state. These duets turn the listener towards the honest joys of love and memory. It braids together the soulful traditions of Nashville and Cajun sounds like sweetgrass. Multi-instrumentalist Klauder's dedication to the genre is pure. His vocals are expressive, nearly hedging on crooning. Like Hank Williams, he takes a listener to the best barn dances and tent revivals in the county with tunes like "He's Gone" and "Shame, Shame, Shame." Willms' genuine delivery reminds one of Lucinda Williams at her most gentle on "Sad Songs" or a melancholy Iris Dement on "Last of My Kind." Their harmonies are as golden and forgiving as Gram Parsons with Emmylou Harris. They have wisely surrounded themselves with other gifted musicians like Joel Savoy and Chris Scruggs. Fiddle runs work as a third story-teller. Pedal steel guitar weeps and whirls as mandolin brightens. Rhythms chug along with shuffles and swings. This album is timelessly charismatic and honestly authentic. It reminds us there is no shame in remaining tender during tough times.