CD REVIEW: WPA creates new deal with musical supergroup

By Diana Nollen

FDR's WPA built up America's sagging spirits in the late '30s and early '40s by putting the masses to work building bridges, roads, parks and schools, as well as art and literacy programs.

Flash forward 70 years for a new WPA, a musical supergroup building impressive bridges between genres.

Core members are Luke Bulla, who has played with Lyle Lovett; Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek; and Glen Phillips from Toad the Wet Sprocket. Joining them on their debut album, “Works Progress Administration,” are Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek; Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Greg Leisz, who's played with Bill Frisell and Joni Mitchell; Pete Thomas, who has played with Elvis Costello & The Imposters; and Davey Faragher of Cracker and The Imposters.

Most of the tracks revolve around relationships good and bad, here and gone, hopeful and hopeless. It makes for a stunning collection that leaves you begging for more.

Phillips handles most of the lead vocals, with a clear, pure tone that plays well against various styles, from wailing pedal steel guitar and fiddles to more rocking tunes.

 “Always Have My Love” sets the tone nicely, with a great rootsy infusion of instrumentals ending with dual fiddles before kicking it up a notch with hilarious opening lyrics that eventually take a darker turn on a more rocking “Good as Ever.” Phillips crystal-clear enunciation leaves you hanging on every word.

Bulla changes the tone with the mournful “Cry for You” before Phillips returns for the quiet call to action of “Rise Up.”

Organ drives the beat of “Paralyzed,” coupled with some funky electronica in an ode to wasted days stumbling off to wasted nights.

The CD ends with the yin and yang of the rollicking “A Wedding or a Wake” hoedown and Sara Watkins' achingly breathy lament of broken hearts and empty arms on “The Price.” When it's all over, you know you've heard something special.

Don't miss the opportunity to hear this group in concert Tuesday night, Dec. 1, at CSPS in Cedar Rapids.

FAST TAKEInformation: www.legionarts.org/music/WPA.htm

Title: “Works Progress Administration”

Artist: WPA

Label: Red Distribution

Performance: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Tickets: $20 in advance at www.iowatix.com; $25 at the door