Less is Definitely More

The muse is alive and well in producer and musician Daniel Lanois. You may not be directly familiar with him, but you‘re probably very familiar with his work. He has produced U2, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Robbie Robertson, Willie Nelson, and most recently, Neil Young.

Producers can assume many different roles when at the helm. Often multi-instrumentalists, they write or co-write with the artists, play on the recordings, engineer, mix, provide varying degrees of  psychological and moral support, and too many other tasks to mention. In the same way movie directors develop a recognizable style, a record producer develops his own familiar style. A good producer is able to help the artist or band shine without smothering their unique flavor. While Lanois’ style and influence have become identifiable, I believe he has helped bring out the absolute best in artists.

As a producer, Lanois captures the intimacy of vocals over the top of ambient elements like big, wet, growling guitars, muted drums, and a range of curious textures, often done with a minimalist touch. Years of working with Brian Eno, considered to be the father of ambient music and a minimalist himself, must have played a part in developing Lanois’ palette and style.

His own music has a ragged and loose feel, but that’s part of its appeal. Folk, blues, a hint of gospel packaged in a spacey, psychedelic, deeply textured wrapping are his ingredients that make up Ambient Americana.

Songs like “I Love You,” Falling at Your Feet,” co-written by Bono, “As Tears Roll By,” and “Sometimes,” all from the album Shine, and “The Maker,” from Acadia and also recorded by Willie Nelson, all have a gospel feel effectively augmented by non-traditional instrumentation.

Daniel Lanois’ songs are a return to a simplicity of form. It brings back a longing for something that I can’t quite define. Maybe it’s that reminder not to loose my connection with my own muse.