Gotta admit that one of my guilty pleasures is bluegrass, and this lady, Kathy Kallick, does it just right. I’ve never understood why jazzers don’t dig this stuff, as the chops and improv skills by her and the supporting team of Annie Staninec/fiddle-banjo, Greg Booth/dobro-banjo, Tom Bekeny/mandolin and Dan Booth/b are as impressive as any guy that goes to Catalina’s or The Blue Whale.
There are a few instrumentals like “Old Red Mandolin” and Shuckin’ the Acorns” that would blow Bill Frisell and his cohorts off the stage anytime,while Kallick’s own tunes like “Time” and “Lulu and Jack” have some supercharged rhythm and interplay. Her voice is earthy and next door neighbor friendly, and the harmonies on classics like Bill Monroe’s “Lord Protect My Soul” or the traditional “Precious Memories” feel like a balm to your soul. The best of this genre has songs that tell a story, and there’s no shortage here. Good time music and playing for all times.
Live Oak Records