| CD Review: O Sister - Various Artists | |
|
Reviewed by Jolene Downs
O Sister! is an all female Bluegrass compilation. With Bluegrass music being a male dominated field for the most part, many of the very talented women tend to be overlooked in the big picture. This album brings the female artists from the last thirty years to the front and center. With the exception of "Eight More Miles," which is the only new selection, these songs have been pulled from the archives of Rounder Records for this project.
It features artists such as Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss, The Cox Family, Claire Lynch, Hazel Dickens and many other talented women. These ladies can truly hold their own both vocally and playing the instruments of the trade. I don't know what the instrument of choice is for most of these ladies, but I do know that Alison Krauss can handle a fiddle better than almost anyone else I've seen.
The album kicks off with the song "If Wishes Were Horses" by Claire Lynch. This is a story of a girl with a true wanderlust. She thinks the grass is always greener on the other side and if wishes were horses she would just ride, ride, ride. She knows her family loves her, but still feels the need to follow her dreams wherever they take her. It has the classic Bluegrass sound.
Delia Bell sings "Sad Situation." It is the classic lost love story. She is mourning her lost love and says it is a sad situation because she still loves him. She has lost other loves, but this is the first that will take a part of her along.
"Lonesome Wind Blues" is a great song by Rhonda Vincent. He is gone and she hears the wind playing the "blues" in the pines. Features some excellent instrumentals in the background.
"Pardon Me" is an upbeat song by the Cox Family. She says "pardon me, but I think you're my true love." She has met someone that she connected with almost instantly and thinks fate has stepped in and handed her the perfect love.
"You Tried To Ruin My Name" is an old-time tune. He swept her off her feet, loved her, and then he left her high and dry. This was back when the woman was looked at with scorn when she wasn't married first. She is giving him a definite piece of her mind in this song. Wilma Lee Cooper sings this fun and in your face song.
"Mama's Hand" is a loving tribute from a daughter to her mother. It talks of the undying love and deep appreciation that she has for all the sacrifices her mother made for her. It is a very touching ballad. Lynn Morris sings this soul-touching song.
Alison Krauss sings, "Every Time You Say Goodbye." Along with being an awesome fiddle player, Alison has one of the purest voices I've ever heard. She can sing a song and draw you into the very heart of it.
The Stevens Sisters sing "Blue." They have some really good harmonies and the banjo is heavily featured in this song along with the mandolin. While you may find the perfect man, keep in mind that "Blue" will surround you all your life. They follow with examples. Among other things, one example given is the color of the sky. This is a fun song to listen to.
"Time Is Winding Up" is another old-time song. Ginny Gawker & Carol Elizabeth Jones combine voices for this one. It is a haunting reminder that we are only here on earth for a short period of time.
Overall, this album is wonderful. It showcases the ladies who have worked hard to keep this music alive. It would make a great addition to any Bluegrass collection.
Song List:
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble
Album cover, used with permission of Rounder.
Click on the button below to find the best price for this CD and purchase it from a retailer on the Internet.
