 Shannon's Select Sounds
Fall is spectacular in the Appalachian Mountains, not only
for the displays of foliage, but also for the back-to-back weekends of incredible
bluegrass music festivals. It was in Virginia on one such weekend that I was introduced to
the band Crooked Still and, after a jaw-dropping live set, picked up their latest
release, Still Crooked (CD, Signature Sounds 2013). Since September, this disc has
not left my player. These five New England musicians conjure a sound that is crystalline
and near-holy. Lead singer Aoife O’Donovan’s breathy voice swirls over and
around the cello, fiddle, banjo, and double bass in a blend of original compositions,
blues standards, and carefully selected covers of little-known traditional songs,
including the standout opener, Ola Belle Reed’s "Undone in Sorrow." Guest
harmonies from Tim O’Brien, Ruth Ungar Merenda, and Amy Helm contribute to great
effect, especially in the murder ballad "Low Down and Dirty." Crooked Still is
breaking in a new sound beyond the scope of bluegrass, folk, or any other genre:
intelligent and energizing, bold and unimpeded by tradition, Still Crooked is an
absolute must.
 West Virginia fiddler Chance
McCoy also made the rounds of several bluegrass festivals this fall, and his
six-piece Appalachian String Band debuts with their self-titled first album, an
exciting disc whose heels are dug deep in authentic old-time music (CD, Appalachian Music
Group 700261247977). The 19 songs, all from the West Virginia and Kentucky hills, are
performed by top-notch players including Ralph Gordon, Danny Knicely, and Adam Hurt. As is
common with albums of old-time music, the liner notes trace each tune’s origins,
crediting its originators (when known) as well as subsequent innovators who have
contributed to the song’s evolution. Like Crooked Still’s Still Crooked,
the Appalachian String Band’s debut was recorded live in the studio, without
overdubs or editing, a practice only possible when the players are of the highest caliber
and rarely miss a note. The instrumentals showcase McCoy’s stellar fiddling, which
has earned this young comer the respect of legends, and accolades: he’s been West
Virginia’s state fiddle champion. Lyrical ballads display McCoy’s rootsy vocals,
which are further enhanced by the haunting harmonies of Aimee Curl. Expect more rich
resonance from this fiddler in the future.
 With the leaves fallen and December’s
cold descending, it seems appropriate to mention two holiday releases. The swinging A
Jazz & Blues Christmas features B.B. King, Ray Charles, and the Ramsey
Lewis Trio, among others, in an upbeat and spirited collection that’s perfect for
decking the halls and reviving time-honored traditions (CD, Putumayo Music PUT-285-2).
Such classics as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Baby," and
"Merry Christmas Baby" are all you need to set the mood for the season.
Meanwhile, jazz improvisers Spyro Gyra deliver a mellow selection of seasonal
favorites on the acoustic A Night Before Christmas (CD, Heads Up 3145). Pianist Tom
Schuman’s intro on "Christmas Time Is Here" glistens with holiday glitz,
lighting the way for Jay Beckenstein’s fanciful sax. The sleigh-bell effects on
"Winter Wonderland" and "Carol of the Bells," compliments of guest
vibraphonist Dave Samuels, give an air of authenticity to these tracks that even Santa
would approve.
It’s going to be an old-time, blues and jazz, crooked
kind of Christmas here. Happy holidays, everyone!
. . . Shannon Holliday
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