Chris Whitley Perfect Day CD

This is a Super Audio CD playable only on Super Audio CD players.

After issuing the spare, entirely solo Live at Martyrs' in early 2000, Chris Whitley returned to the studio with drummer Billy Martin and bassist Chris Wood (of Medeski, Martin & Wood fame) to cut the similarly low-key, all covers album Perfect Day. It's a mix of blues standards and rock songs with a poetic bent (writers like Dylan, Reed, and Morrison) all given hauntingly minimalistic treatments. Whitley's guitar work is subdued and spacious, as are Martin and Wood's constantly shifting backing rhythms. The cover photo of a haggard-looking Whitley sets the tone for his performances: he sounds committed but weary, which gives these renditions a darkly compelling power. "Spoonful," in particular, often seems on the verge of falling apart, as Whitley's guitar slashes almost randomly over the rhythm section's syncopations. But -- perhaps like the singer himself -- it somehow holds together in the face of desperation, which is a handy way to sum up the album's impact as a whole. ~ Steve Huey

Recorded at 33 1/3 Recording Studios, Brooklyn, New York. Includes liner notes by Chris Whitley.

Personnel: Chris Whitley (vocals, guitar); Chris Wood (acoustic bass); Billy Martin (drums, percussion).

Personnel: Chris Whitley (vocals, guitar); Chris Wood (upright bass); Billy Martin (drums, percussion).

Liner Note Author: Chris Whitley.

Recording information: 33 1 (03/28/2000-03/29/2000); Recording Brooklyn, NY (03/28/2000-03/29/2000).

Photographers: Craig Street; Rob Shanahan.Entertainment Weekly (8/11/00, p.82) - "...The steel guitar specialist reduces his favorite 'love' songs to quiet rubble. Improvised live in the studio...the CD reunited Whitley and producer Craig Street..." - Rating: A-
CMJ (8/21/00, p.3) - "...Completely undeniable..."
JazzTimes (12/00, p.98) - "...Worth checking out for the fragile, compelling chemistry between Whitley's swooning falsetto voice and MW's organic, coloristic interplay."
Dirty Linen (4-5/01, pp.60-1) - "...A remarkable album that showcases Whitley at the top of his form and should appeal to blues, jazz, and rock fans alike."
Mojo (Publisher) (11/00, p.101) - "...Engaging..."