The debut album from Indiana-based folk rock band American Pirates could not be a more eclectic blend of nearly every genre imaginable. From the bluegrass medleys of “Big Rock Candy Mountain” to the beloved gospel standard “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” What a Friend is an album that can appeal to almost any musical taste. With artwork by Aaron Marshall and a story-like arc reminiscent of a progressive rock concept album, the 19-track record seamlessly blends classical, rock, jazz, gospel, folk, bluegrass, and country into one cohesive listening experience.
Featuring piano virtuoso and Bland County native Albert Newberry, the group showcases extraordinary individual talent while maintaining a tight, unified sound. The opening prelude, a shape note hymn, “Conflict,” fuses vaudeville-era jazz a cappella four-part hymn singing, immediately signaling that this project will defy easy categorization. The sacred harp hymn weaves it way through the entire album, its tune serving as the backdrop for the acapella “Amazing Grace.”
The Bob Dylan reminiscent “As It Is” delivers a hauntingly beautiful vocal and guitar from its composer Judah Allen, with Newberry providing understated yet powerful piano accompaniment. The Texas swing rendition of “Bye Bye Blackbird” is a pleasure from start to finish. “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” a song that can sometimes feel overdone, becomes not only palatable but thoroughly enjoyable in the hands of American Pirates, thanks to vivid storytelling from lead vocalist Aaron Jones at the outset and lively early jazz textures throughout. A modern take on the Carter Family’s “Sweet Fern” features delightful accordion from Jones and harmonica runs from Ray Major.
An Appalachian folk rendition of “Mack the Knife,” blended with Dixieland jazz, stands out as both musically adventurous and theatrically compelling. The speaking and singing voices of both Jones and Allen transforms each note into not just an enjoyable listening experience, but a riveting storytelling moment.
With all the sophistication found in modern music across genres, American Pirates retain the essential storytelling spirit of Appalachian ballads while incorporating some of the most refined and diverse sounds from around the world. Written and sung by Eli Sparks, “Slow It Down” carries a joyful, driving groove and offers a simple yet eloquent message about appreciating life’s small moments. Influences ranging from Blues Traveler to the horn-driven bands of the 1970s are evident here, making it a personal highlight.
The gospel standard that gives the album its title, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” begins with a quiet, heavenly piano introduction from Newberry before building into a New Orleans jazz tempo and settling into a smooth classical-jazz fusion. “Intermezzo” opens with lighthearted band chatter before shifting into a dark, film noir-style narration layered with ghostly textures, all created by Aaron Jones with some sound design elements by Aaron Marshall and Liam Byrne. The piece culminates in a madrigal-inspired blend of classical and progressive rock elements.
The aching lyrics of “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” are delivered in a vaudeville-style jazz arrangement, complete with a stirring horn section and gritty, heartfelt vocals by Jones. The waltz, “Little Orphan Annie,” may be the most haunting track on the record, featuring riveting violin by Justus Morgan, trombone by horn virtuoso Joshua Joy, and piano and award-worthy vocal performances by Jones.
The brief 30-second coda of “Conflict II” transitions into the country-tinged love ballad “Consequence,” which echoes influences from Coldplay and Bruce Hornsby. Originally a Bach violin sonata, “Siciliano” is a classical gem showcasing Newberry and Jones’s dually refined touches at the piano with Marshall’s sound design electronics, and “Reverse Rag No. 3” continues that tradition of musical elegance, complete with hammering ivories and electrifying precision alongside a driving rhythm section and bold horns including the saxophone of My’Keal Bush. Though written by Jones, “Little Lamb” is a beautifully tranquil piano instrumental performed by Newberry. A moving a cappella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” followed by coffeehouse-style jazz riffs, further demonstrates the band’s remarkable versatility. The soulful, funky groove of “Sweet Joy,” written and sung by Jones, provides another highlight before the album concludes with a fitting reprisal of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.”
Allen and Joy split drumming duties while Alex Kumar occasionally joined in on guitar and ukulele. Sparks plays bass guitar and tuba. Joy also played a Renaissance and Baroque-era brass instrument that serves as the direct predecessor to the modern trombone called the sackbut and added his banjo skills in the mix.
In an era when much of mainstream music feels driven by spectacle rather than substance, it is astonishing that this independent octet is not front and center. What a Friend is worthy of every accolade the industry has to offer. It would be a shame for such a masterful debut to go unnoticed by mass audiences.
For those in this region, there is an added point of pride: one of our own, Albert Newberry, is part of this exceptionally gifted group of musicians. These gentlemen are not confined to one—or even a handful—of genres. They can play and sing virtually anything, blending it all into one cohesive, deeply enjoyable sound that is simply and purely good music.
What A Friend was produced by Andy Beargie and Max Riggle of Echo Park Studios in Bloomington, Indiana. Visit www.ampirates.com to learn how to get your copy of this must-have album today.
