Inspired by the classic Ray Charles country records from about 40 years and a completely different world view ago, singer Madeleine Peyroux scores a coup by mixing her bohemian gypsy/folk style with old school country on this delicious mix of material that’s been pureed by the Cumberland Gap of Waring Blenders. She’s always had a hint of Patsy Cline in her voice (remember “Walking after Midnight”?), and she feels comfortable as the belle of the ball here with old pals Dean Parks/g, Larry Goldings/key, Jay Bellerose/dr and David Piltch/b. The gentle honky tonkin’ “Bye Bye Love” feels like Peyroux’s having a great time on a hayride, while her reading of Buddy Holly’s “Changing All Those Changes” has her delivering the lyrics with an audible twinkle in her eye. Melancholy, but not pitiful, her readings of “Born to Lose” and “You Don’t Know Me” are regretful but not desultory. She draws out “Gentle On My Mind” with a more deeply felt attitude of reflection than the Glen Campbell version, and her voice on “Bird On The Wire” glows like a full moon on a warm and muggy summer night. This is as impressive as it is surprising-Peyroux moves forward by looking back.
Decca Records
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