” Daniel Lanois is, for me, among the greatest record producers of the rock era. He’s been involved in so many of my favorite albums over the years: Peter Gabriel’s So and Us, Bob Dylan’s Oh Mercy and, of course, the lion’s share of U2’s best work, in conjunction with his friend and frequent collaborator Brian Eno. “ ( … )

With his new project, Black Dub, Lanois brings together a deeply connected collective of likeminded musicians. Renowned Louisiana bass player Daryl Johnson and New Orleans virtuoso drummer Brian Blade are longtime Lanois collaborators, while young Trixie Whitley, the lone daughter of the late Chris Whitley (who was also championed by Lanois), provides the spiritual continuum. The results are sublime. “Surely” bears the spiritual weight of gospel, while the dub-heavy “I Believe in You” features a stunning vocal from Whitley. ( … )