New Moon Hand

Though the Fat Possum label had moved well beyond its blues origins by the close of the '00s, the label known for re-discovering the likes of Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside was still releasing compelling American roots music. Willem Maker's NEW MOON HAND is steeped in the sort raw blues on which Fat Possum built its name (particularly in Maker's aching, rough-hewn vocals), yet it also contains enigmatic songwriting that nods to more primordial music forms while looking foward. Maker clearly calls to mind Tom Waits, yet there's a sincerity and exposed-nerve honesty to these songs that moves them well past mere imitation or even tribute.