| Little Sue "The Long Goodbye" It's 3 years ago that we've heard from Susannah Weaver, better known as Portland country diva "Little Sue. Little Sue is a very talented singer/songwriter who works for three years on here new release. Many of the songs on the new album were inspired by here on-again, off-again relationship with musicianmuse Paul Brainard (Weavers former fianc� and a prominent contributor to the album) Little Sue's earlyer albums named "Chimneys and Fishes" and "Crow". "The long Goodbye" is a fine collection of churning guitars, echo-drenched pedal steel, Latin percussions, French Horn, Sweet harmonies and stately strings. Now all that left is for you to listen to her record and see what the heck everyone is talking about. www.littlesue.com |
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| Caroline Aiken, "Unshaken" Caroline Aiken's new release "Unshaken" is her sixth recording after 30 years of performance, all self-released. Caroline has served as an inspiration for a generation of artists, including the Indigo Girls. Caroline has a lovely mid-range voice that can easily go from the dusky, smoky and sensuous tone so necessary for the blues to a clear and energic sound that works well on folk, pop songs like Unshaken's second track "Susan's Eyes" . Caroline plays guitar, piano and harmonica. "Unshaken" is a beautiful release contains Carolines style of folk, unmistakable country and blues elements. You need to try this album if you never heard of Caroline. www.carolineaiken.com |
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| The Mammals, "Evolver" The Mammals are a young New York State's singing stringband. They play old-time fiddle & banjo melodies, haunting balladas, contemporary folk, and lyric-driven songs and a few original instrumentals. The Mammals are Tao Rodrigez-Seeger (grandson and musical partner of the legendary Pete Seeger), Michael Merenda, art-pop songwriter (Ska-Rotum, SPOUSE� AND Ruth Ungar, second generation fiddler and singer (Jay Ungar & Moly Mason Family Band). "Loaded with dependable and stunning originals, "Evolver" is a feast for old-school string band lovers (Valley Advocate). www.themammals.net |
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| Pat Puckett, "Higher Then a Spark In July" Pat Puckett is a great guitar player and writes pretty songs on his guitar. He's joined by Scott McArthur on drums, Scott Campbell on pedal steel, bari and dobro, Jeff Troutner on bass and Kati Schardl, backing vocals, who fill in the quiet parts with economy and taste and a little help from some old friends The Silo's Walter Salas-Humara and Alejandero Escovedo (True Believers, Rank And File), He's also a great singer/songwriter. Pat Puckett's Band has a very good chance of making it for a variety of reasons and one of these good reasons is a good feeling for exelent alternative country, Americana and authentic Southern Roots Music. We like this guy very much. www.patpuckettband.com |
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| Donal Hinely, "We Built A Fire" Scuffletown Records 1994 Donal released his first "Breakfast At Jim's" for Scuffletown Records. 2002 Donal released his second "We Built A Fire" also for Scuffletown rec. One of the best singer/songwriters albums of the year with a little help from members of Wilco, Edwin McCain Band and Lost Highway artist Kim Richey and top guitarist Will Kimbrough. This album has everything it needs to become a real top Americana Roots album. A beautiful voice, great music and exellent songwriting range from stories of people breaking away ("Gasoline"� to lements of depression and addiction ("Easier"). Not to forgot David Henry as producer (REM, Cowboy Junkies etc.) "We Built A Fire" is nominated as album of the year in the Americanan category and the opening song "Gasoline" also up for song of the year. Go and buy this album without asking more questions. It's a 5 stars album.( www.donalhinely.com) |
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