Mark Johnson & Emory Lester � Acoustic Rising
It took me a while to get to this one in my stack and I wish it hadn�t! Emory Lester plays mandolin and Mark Johnson plays clawhammer banjo on this album of original tunes mixed with traditionals. The album leans a little more to the old-timey sounds with a relaxed feel that is fantastic. Kicking off with two fine instrumentals, the third track is a rollicking version of �Girl From The North Country� showcases Emorys� vocals. The solo banjo performance of the traditional �Down To The River To Pray� is superb. These two guys have been around a while and with the renewed interest in old-timey and string band music, they are liable to make a few new fans. An extra goody for us liner note freaks are Ricky Skaggs song by song comments.
Get it here: www.emorylester.com or www.clawgrass.com
Red Molly � Never Been to Vegas � Live
The three ladies that make up Red Molly, Abbie Gardner, Laurie MacAllister, Carolann Solebello, have recently released their full-length debut album, Never Been To Vegas � Live. The album was recorded live with a studio audience in two locations and covers songs from Gillian Welch to Hank Williams to Ryan Adams and Hank Cochran. The album also includes two original songs written by Dobro player Abbie Gardner. The ladies are very versatile musicians who trade off instruments throughout the albums 14 songs. The harmonies are tight and the musicianship excellent, which is one of the reasons this self-released album is quickly climbing up the Americana charts.
Get it here: www.redmolly.com
Mike Reeb � Without The City Lights
Without The City Lights is a stripped down affair showcasing Reeb�s songwriting with very little embellishment. His introspective lyrics are laid on a bed of acoustic guitar backed occasionally by violin or muted electric guitar. Reeb has a pleading vocal tone that is reminiscent of early Bill Mallonee, which brings the longing out of songs like �Oh, We Need A Change� and �Consequences.� Without The City Lights exhibits a singer-songwriter who wears his influences on his sleeve, but doesn�t slide into mimicry. After spending recent years as part of a duo or band, Reeb is stepping forward with a well thought out album of songs that should serve him well as a foundation of a new phase in his career.
Get it here: http://www.mikereeb.com/
Sandra McCracken � Gravity|Love
Gravity|Love is filled with lyrically strong, melodically catchy songs written by McCracken and brought to life by musicians including Derek Webb (guitar), Johnny Neal (keyboards) Brady Blade (drums) and Ray Kennedy (various instruments). Thematically McCracken writes of love (�Head Over Heels,� �All The Miles�) and loss (�Traincar� and the unique �Goodbye George� which is a eulogy of sorts to the late George Harrison). But where McCracken shines is in her songs that mine a more spiritual territory. In �Doubt� she desires to know love with out doubt, a love that is perfect while in �Shelter� she discovers the healing powers of releasing herself from the past.
Get it here: www.sandramccracken.com
Seth Walker � (self-titled)
Veteran sideman Seth Walker steps to center stage for his fourth solo release. The album is filled with originals written or co-written by Walker and feature guest appearances from Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds) and Floyd Domino (Asleep at the Wheel). Walker�s sound is a stiff mix of Delta and Texas blues that allow him room to spotlight his rough voice and first-rate guitar playing. Unlike many �blues� albums, the guitar playing doesn�t cover up the song allowing each song to breath and calling attention to the lyrics. Walkers� choice of covers, including the Tom Waits penned �Picture In A Frame,� fit his voice perfectly.
Get it here: www.sethwalker.com
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