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Various Bluegrass, Blues and
Jazz Albums
Review By Steven Stone
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Words & Music Nashville
Adroit Records (buy
it here)
This compilation CD features tunes from ten of Nashville's best songwriters. Producer James Tract's goal was "to generate awareness and expose the vast quantity of extraordinary music that may not be otherwise heard..." Big stars, such as Trisha Yearwood, have covered some songs such as Vince Melamed's "Walk Away Joe," but most are brand new. Every tune is a gem.
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Alexis Harte
Big Red Sun
On his fourth release Alex Harte expands his unique and eclectic body of work. His songs never go quite where you expect them to. The production is equally quirky with lush double-tracked lead vocals on some cuts while others are stripped to the basics. Each song is a fresh surprise and with every listen gains additional resonance and depth.
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Debra Cowan
Fond Desire Farewell
Debra Cowan's newest release, Fond Desire Farewell, was produced and arranged by Dave Mattacks of Fairport Convention. Instead of the usual willowy Celtic soprano, Cowan's warm alto voice powers through lyrics. Whether she sings material from Richard Thompson or Ralph Stanley her strong musical identity transports every tune to a very special place.
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Ian Tyson
Yellowhead To Yellowstone And Other Love Stories
Tyson's latest CD mines the musical territory that he's long had a claim on -- tales of the West. But on his 14th album fans will hear Tyson's new voice -- the combination of strain from outdoor gigs and a "bad virus" have roughed up his vocal chords like a piece of leather on an awl. The results take some time to adjust to, but add a new pathos to his songs.
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