In the follow up to their self titled debut from 2011, this all female trio from Victoria, Canada bring a freshness and wholesome charm to old timey style tunes, the like of which never seems to be wholly in nor out of fashion.
The vocal and song writing credits are divided equally with each contributing three songs apiece and there are two traditional tunes - Reuen's Train and Sail Away Ladies.
Amanda Blied sings on five tracks and her forthright yet fragile vocal delivery reminded me a lot of Kate McGarrigle, particularly on the reflective opening track The Heart Is A Hollow Thing.
May, the title track, written by banjoist Shanti Bremer is the best of the four instrumental and gracefully illustrates the perfect blend of the three instruments - fiddle, banjo and acoustic guitar.
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The classically trained violinist turned fiddler, Mariam Sonstenes, adds a touch of class to proceedings. Her two for one tune Insa And Liam's Jig/Stones In My Pocket shows her mastery of Bluegrass playing.
Nothing is forced here, no novelty songs or playing to the gallery; it is quite simply an album of genuinely heart warming tunes beautifully played.
The Sweet Lowdown's website
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