I love those Steve Wynn & Miracle 3 albums too-- love that band!!! I was a
little disappointed by The
Dixie Chicks album-- though I like a few tracks. Overproduced for me &
somehow not as thrilled with
Natalie's voice here & sev. songs kinda fell flat for me. But 'brave' they
did new format & their own songs this time. I like that Rosanne Cash album
too. I think Sasha Dobson is kind interesting too-- I like her more than
Norah definitely. A lot of my faves this year were jazz/classical albums (I
listen a lot to those genres), but among other ones:

1. Annie Gallup, Half of My Crime. Very distinctive 'folk'
singer/songwriter who does almost folk/rap. But nearly spoken word at times--
this one has
somewhat more trad. song structure but very intriguing imagery.

2. Tom Russell, Love and Fear. More personal than some of his albums--
kinda country/folk/pop.
Strong singer & lyrics-- gretchen Peters (underrated Nashville
singer/songwriter IMO) on a couple too.

3. ThaMuseMeant, Never Settle for Less. Interesting 'string jam' band
orig. from Santa Fe, but now
Portland OR. Interesting blend of male/female vocal & kind wry lyrics by
Nathan Moore. Very fine playing too. A little pop, elements of Dylan, Townes
Van Zandt, Tom Waits, a touch of Fairport Convention & Continental Drifters.

4. The Gourds, Heavy Ornamentals. 'Wacky' Austin band but also some
serious elements in a way.
NRBQ meet The Band on magic mushrooms plus country elements. Sound on this
one is esp. great,
though I love all their albums-- if ya gotta get used to voices. I think
they're fine players too.

5. Amy Allison, Everything and Nothing Too. Yeah, she has "Emmylou Harris
on helium' voice, but I
think she's more comfortable here than previous ones. Nice duet of her dad
Mose's "Was" w. him on piano too. She's a great songwriter I think-- I like
all her other albums too.

6. Bob Dylan, Modern Times. I don't always like Dylan-- at times his
voice bugs me. But here really
strong, reflective and interesting songs, with elements from folk/blues/Tin
Pan Alley & his own
work. Moving, if in a way a kinda looking at life from the autumn of his
years, so even not so far from
Sinatra's "September of My Years" oddly :). Or something. Great band
too-- often understated.

7. Melissa Stylianou, Sliding Down. This is by Canadian jazz singer now
living in NYC. I mention it here 'coz much of her own material & songs & way
band set up akin to mid-late '70's Joni Mitchell. Elegant, thoughtful songs
that I think do effectively strattle jazz and pop. Some fine guitar work by
a trio of players too.

8. Christine Collister, Love. UK singer with very fine dusky, contralto
voice. She's best known still maybe for her duo work with Clive Gregson-- has
many nice solos too. Like a folkier Alison Moyet in a way, but her own
style. This one except one song is all covers-- esp. noteworthy one of Leonard
Cohen's "Hallelujah" & Joni's "Amelia," & thoughful one of even The Hollies's
"The Air that I Breathe."

9. A Case of Case. Various-- Amy contributes to this of course (great track
too). I like the whole 3 CD set. I don't always like tributes, but this
one effective & some nice new light on Case's songs-- if I like him often too.

10.Linda Ronstadt and Anne Savoy, Adiieu, False Heart. Sorta folk/cajun.
Beautiful singing by both & interesting choice of songs. Very ballady but e
ffective-- beautiful playing esp. by Andrea Zorn on violin too. They sound
good together & some of Linda's best singing in over 10 years I think.
Ed



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