my year in music, cont.

 Sarah Jarosz - Song Up In Her Head

Anticipation for this album in the roots music and bluegrass community was high. Sarah had been wowing folks at shows and jams for years and she's part of an innovative musical posse who invaded the Berklee College of Music last fall, while Sarah's mandolin chops were impressive enough to get her into the New England Conservatory this fall. The album, co-produced with the impeccable Gary Paczosa, not only didn't disappoint, it was revelatory. Her voice is viscous like honey and strangely mature for her tender age. Her picking is of the highest order - dazzling on the mandolin and soul satisfying on the clawhammer banjo. The songs reflect an innovative take on traditional balladry. They tell stories and leave plenty of room for personal interpretation. This is truly American roots for modern times.

 Loudon Wainwright III - High Wide & Handsome

This two-CD concept project co-produced by Wainwright and Dick Connette shines a long overdue spotlight on Charlie Poole, one of the vital figures in the history of country music and a native son of my beloved home state of North Carolina. The always insightful and funny Wainwright reinterprets classics from Poole's repertoire like "The Deal" and "Sweet Sunny South." And he fleshes out Poole's story with original songs inspired by the life of this somewhat crazy and indolent master. "Way Up In NYC" is a highly pictorial documentary in song that makes you feel as if you've tagged along to a primitive recording session and then gone on a bender with the boys afterward. Loudon's singing has never been better, and the elaborate liner notes and packaging makes this a gift-worthy release. May Grammys follow.

Comments

[tim ghianni]

Craig: I like your list of favorites a lot, I agree with them. I liked the Jarosz album probably even more than you to.
I also wanted to let you know Ihad visted your visionary blog.