For Bright Morning Stars Cindy Wasserman and Frank Lee Drennen, who are Dead Rock West collected the old time spirituals of Blind Willie Johnson, the contemporary gospel of the Staple Singers, and a desperate plea by the Jesus and Mary Chain, plus six more songs of strength and hope, with the help of producer Peter Case.
It was Wasserman who envisioned an album inspired by the lore of angels, while it was Drennen who suggested they seek guidance from Case, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter-and producer who understood the pull of a spiritually-based project. “All the great singers eventually get around to recording gospel-themed music, from the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers to Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan,” says Case. “This record isn’t just for people with a certain religious bent—it’s a calling out, a reaching out,” says Drennen. ‘These songs urge you to look up, whatever that means to you.”
Case has also been revisiting the past as his latest offering, The Case Files, collects demos, out-takes, one live shot and other rarities from the 1985-2010 span of his solo career. Tim Peacock writes: "The Case Files is the sound of Peter Case pulling back the doors of his creaking back catalogue only to be buried under a minor avalanche of semi-forgotten, rough-hewn gems. It may not be the obvious point of entry for the uninitiated, but you shouldn’t let that put you off. If you like your troubadours on the outspoken, intelligent and melodic side, you’ll be thrilled by these ornery delights."
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Dead Rock West - Ain't No Grave.
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