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What becomes of a troubled Tennessee teenage girl whose father
is one of the biggest name writers and producers in Nashville?
Well, she joins the Army, gets out, and records a debut record
of stunning beauty and depth, of course. Melonie Cannon,
daughter of Buddy Cannon (long time Mel Tillis co-conspirator),
has a voice that rings with earthy texture, making her possibly
the best emerging talent in the newgrass arena since Alison
Krause first emerged on the scene. Rarely does a voice with
such distinction come along, a voice that contains the possibility
of defining a new era in a musical genre, but Melonie could certainly
be that voice, and her debut record could be that milestone.
Kicking off the album in true Nashville hills style is "Nothing
To Lose", an upbeat bluegrass number that is filled out with
some incredible dobro and mandolin playing. The song makes a picture
perfect introduction to the sultry alto voice of Cannon. The down-home
splendor of "Tennessee Roads" is nothing short of astonishing.
The song is smooth, yet dusky… like looking through a smoke
stained window at a serene vision of incredible beauty. "What
Took You So Long?" could come straight off of a Union
Station record, with its vibrant and crystal-clear musicianship
and heart-rending vocal. Traditional bluegrass is obviously a
large influence on this record, and nowhere more prominently than
on "Westbound Trains". It's a catchy tune (written by
Buddy Cannon himself) with a great story to tell and some amazing
pickin' happening, courtesy of Dan Tyminski and David
Talbot. "Whiskey Lullabye" is a dark track, just
like good bluegrass should be, filled with vibrant lyrical allusion
and some beautiful fiddle work by Stuart Duncan. The songs
on this record are one hundred percent country/bluegrass gold.
For those who find themselves inexorably drawn to music that
has sprung from the rock-solid foundations laid by bluegrass
music, this album is for them. For those who appreciate the
crossover appeal of contemporary newgrass, this album is for
them. For those who just love great songs sung by a incredible
new and fresh talent, this album is for them. There's nothing
to lose here. Just sheer perfect musical beauty.
-Embo Blake
Track Listing:
1. Nothing To Lose
2. Tennessee Roads
3. I Feel You Everywhere
4. What Took You So Long?
5. Westbound Trains
6. Sweeter Than Sugarcane
7. Whiskey Lullabye
8. Separate Ways
9. I'll Be Back
10. Nobody Hops A Train Anymore
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Melonie
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