Pokey LaFarge relocated from his longtime home of St. Louis to Los Angeles in 2018, and the upheaval of the move, followed by a difficult personal period, became part of the story behind Rock Bottom Rhapsody. Shortly before recording began, LaFarge experienced a spiritual awakening that helped him through the making of the album, resulting in a record that is ultimately far more uplifting and life-affirming than its title might suggest.
Musically, Rock Bottom Rhapsody finds LaFarge continuing to draw from the rich traditions of American Roots music, blending elements of Rock 'n' Roll, Rockabilly, Country, Blues, Jazz and vintage Rhythm & Blues into a sound that is unmistakably his own. The album benefits from the considerable talents of Joel Paterson, Scott Ligon, Jimmy Sutton and Alex Hall, whose playing gives these recordings an extra depth and authenticity.
From the swaggering title track and End Of My Rope through to Lucky Sometimes, Fallen Angel and the closing Rock Bottom Finale, this is a richly crafted album about hitting difficult times and finding a way forward. A superb choice for fans of American Roots, Rockabilly, Country, Blues and vintage-inspired Rock 'n' Roll.
