Soul-rock collective The Altered Statesman released two five-track EPs recently via Bandcamp, Yestalgia on April 26 and God’s Own Fool on May 28. If you’re familiar with the group’s work, you’ll find these two new records continue in the groove-oriented vein they’ve consistently been in. If you’re not familiar with The Altered Statesman, these two releases provide a good introduction to their music.
While the group’s lineup has undergone a number of changes since it was formed in the late 1990s, the one constant has been visionary, vocalist, guitarist and principle songwriter Steve Poulton. The first thing you notice about Poulton is his smoky singing voice, which is somewhat reminiscent of Boz Scaggs. His approach is relaxed, which allows him to express a range of emotions. Then there are his songs, the subject matter of which is often unconventional and always intelligent. Poulton penned all the songs on Yestalgia and three on God’s Own Fool.
The music on these records is not in any rush — it breathes, and it swings, but not hard. There’s a gentleness to it, a subtlety, a sophistication. Yestalgia leans a little more into the group’s rock side, while God’s Own Fool is a more of an exercise in soul, inspired in no small part by the early 1970s work of Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye.
Poulton and longtime drummer Robert Crawford recorded Yestalgia at co-producer Otto Helmuth's studio in Lexington, Ky., where Poulton lived in the ’90s. They are accompanied on the EP’s five tracks by some of Poulton’s musician friends from those days.
Co-produced by Dave Coleman, God’s Own Fool was recorded in Nashville with the group’s current lineup — Poulton (vocals, guitar), Crawford (drums, percussion), Le Ann Etheridge (bass), Anders Juhl (tenor saxophone, keys) and Vincent Quinn (acoustic guitar, tres Cubano, harmonica). Violinist Jennifer Halenar, who performs with the band when she’s available, also appears on the EP, as does experimental reed player and composer JayVe Montgomery.
There’s not a throwaway track on either of these EPs, but three songs on God’s Own Fool are worth noting. Beside the three originals, the group delivers an inspired rendition of Stax Records legend Deanie Parker’s “All I Need Is Some Sunshine in My Life.” They also include a loping cover of “Tree Blues” by a jazz trumpet legend Olu Dara, father of rapper Nas. In addition, there’s a new version of “Lotus Crew,” which Poulton first recorded for his 2023 solo EP Exit 204. The band had been playing the song live, and he liked the ensemble’s slower, fuller approach, so he decided to record their version.
Keep an eye on the group’s Facebook page for show announcements and other updates.
