New LP, You’re Free to Go by Anjimile produced by Brad Cook

I think I’d noticed Brad Cook’s name in the credits of Bon Iver records, but took more notice when I interviewed BJ Burton for Tape Op #137 and he mentioned working with him on the Bon Iver LPs. When he was interviewed by Jacob Paul Nielsen for Tape Op #156 , I started to pay close attention to records that I'd see his name on and have since become a big fan of his production work. He’s decades into his career now, and has had a hand in some of my favorite albums from artists like Hand Habits, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Big Red Machine, Fenne Lily, Iron & Wine, Snail Mail, Tre Burt, William Tyler, and – of course – Bon Iver. Brad's production style is organic, progressive, and experimental at times. His records feel soulful and not overly produced, but are also very hi-fi. His style is bit reminiscent for me of the work Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake [#16, #133] did in the early ’90’s with artists like Suzanne Vega and Los Lobos. 

So, when Anjimile’s You’re Free to Go was recently released, I of course gave it a spin, and I can tell this one’s gonna go into fairly regular rotation.  Beautiful songs, arrangements, and production all anchored by Anjimilie’s wide ranging vocals; sometimes high and ethereal, and other times lower and soulful. Recommended. 

-JB