B-Side Guys

There’s something uniquely captivating about the way traditional sounds can be reimagined and recontextualized by artists from across the globe. Case in point: Sweet Joe Pye, the cross-continental string band trio whose forthcoming EP “Rise Early” is a stunning testament to the enduring power and adaptability of old-time music.

Recorded in a single-day studio session in Paris, “Rise Early” finds Sweet Joe Pye effortlessly blending the rustic charm of Appalachian fiddle tunes with the sophistication and intricacy of contemporary chamber music. It’s a sound that’s at once familiar and wholly original, rooted in tradition yet unafraid to push the boundaries of what old-time music can be.

At the heart of Sweet Joe Pye’s magic is the undeniable chemistry between its three members who have a knack for crafting intricate, unexpected arrangements. Together, they create music that’s as joyful as it is technically impressive, a celebration of the pure, unadulterated pleasure of making music with friends.

The EP kicks off with “Blote Voeten & Blue Crab,” a stunning showcase of Sweet Joe Pye’s ability to seamlessly blend disparate musical traditions. The track opens with Odom’s vocals, sung entirely in Dutch – a nod to the band’s European roots and a testament to the universality of the emotions and experiences that old-time music so often captures. As Odom’s voice weaves in and out of Colombat’s intricate guitar work and Henri’s driving banjo, the song takes on a hypnotic, almost otherworldly quality, transporting the listener to a place where language and culture melt away, leaving only the pure, unfiltered essence of human expression.

From there, the EP takes a turn for the personal with “Moonwalk,” a lullaby written for one of Odom’s students who was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of the darkness and violence that all too often invade even the most innocent of lives, and a testament to the power of music to provide solace and healing in the face of unimaginable grief. Odom’s vocals are particularly affecting here, imbued with a raw, aching vulnerability that’s impossible to shake.

The EP closes with “Rise Early & Sweet Joe Pye,” a pair of original fiddle tunes that showcase the band’s instrumental prowess and deep respect for old-time tradition. “Rise Early” is a joyful, upbeat number that features some truly dazzling interplay between Odom’s fiddle and Colombat’s mandolin, while “Sweet Joe Pye” is a more contemplative, almost elegiac tune that showcases Henri’s masterful bass work. Together, they form a fitting finale to an EP that’s as musically diverse as it is emotionally resonant.

Of course, it would be remiss not to mention the EP’s stunning production, which manages to capture all the warmth and intimacy of a live performance while still maintaining a level of clarity and precision that’s rare in roots music recordings. Credit for that goes to Daniel Mizrahi, who engineered the session at his studio in Paris, as well as Henri Colombat, who handled the mixing and mastering with a deft touch that allows each instrument and voice to shine without ever feeling overcrowded or muddled.

Ultimately, what makes “Rise Early” such a triumph is the way it manages to feel both timeless and utterly of-the-moment. In an era where so much roots music can feel like a pale imitation of a bygone era, Sweet Joe Pye have crafted an EP that feels vibrant, alive, and entirely their own. By blending the traditional sounds of Appalachia with the cosmopolitan sophistication of their European backgrounds, they’ve created a kind of transatlantic roots music that feels both fresh and enduring, a reminder of the way that great art can transcend boundaries of time, place, and culture.

It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together, to provide solace and joy in even the darkest of times. And in a world that often feels increasingly fractured and divided, that’s a message that feels more vital and necessary than ever. With “Rise Early,” Sweet Joe Pye have crafted an EP that’s not just a collection of great songs, but a celebration of the human spirit in all its messy, complicated glory. It’s a journey that’s well worth taking, and one that’s sure to linger long after the final notes have faded away.