The saying goes, “when one door closes, another opens.” In the case of Jack White, a GIANT door recently closed when he confirmed that The White Stripes are calling it quits. So, by the “Conservation of Door” principle stated above (aka, Newton’s 4th Law), Jack should be introducing a few new projects, right?
Sure enough, he continues to dabble in just about every sector of the music industry, and most recently his talents have collided with super-producer Brian Burton (aka, Danger Mouse). I should note that the new project, Rome, is actually a collaborative effort between BB and Italian composer, Daniele Luppi; and Jack White is merely a contributor. But really…when does Jack White “merely contribute?!” Answer: Never. Jack White merely dominates.
In fact, according to the album cover, he “stars” with Norah Jones in what is described as a “spaghetti western-inspired project.” Supposedly the phrase “spaghetti western” is in reference to a shared passion for the soundtracks of movies of that genre (e.g. The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly or A Fistful of Dollars or any western movie filmed in Italy and directed by a guy name Sergio). Rather, I think it’s just an ethnically questionable mashed-up reference to the two primary players. Maybe not.
Recorded in the album’s namesake city, BB and DL enlisted the help of the original members of the Cantori Moderni, the musicians that recorded the soundtracks to many of the most famous spaghetti westerns. With a patchwork assortment of vintage instruments, borrowed by any means possible, and their collection of musical all-stars, new and old, the duo has nearly delivered on their shared dream.
For those fans of White, I doubt anyone would argue that the size of this “door” will make up for the closing of the Stripes’ door, but it’s a start. It’s certain that fans of Danger Mouse, Daniele Luppi, Norah Jones and Jack White are all eagerly awaiting the May 21, 2011 release date. But before you start whining about having to wait until May to get the album, consider that this creative process started five years ago!! That may sound like a long time for one record, but as any historian will tell you, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
UPDATE: 30 | March | 2011
Check out the video above for commentary on the forthcoming album, straight from the source(s).
Thanks to Evan R. for keeping me briefed on the dawning of a new empire!
