ëƵ

close

Music review: Alison Krauss – ëƵWindy CityëƵ

By Clint Rhodes for The 2 min read
article image -

The retro styling of Alison KraussëƵ outfit highlighted on the cover of her latest album provides an early hint as to what is in store on ëƵWindy City.ëƵ

The bluegrass-country starëƵs first solo release since 1999 features Krauss infusing her lush soprano to an engaging cover collection of classic country arrangements.

A remake of Brenda LeeëƵs ëƵLosing YouëƵ serves as the hypnotic album opener and sets the stage for the upcoming tracks of heartache and sadness.

ëƵItëƵs Goodbye and So Long to YouëƵ follows with a sassiness that finds Krauss confidently closing the door on a bad relationship.

The title track possesses the allure and temptation that the big city has to offer a small-town visitor as Krauss desperately pleads for the city to release the grip it has on her lover.

For me, the highlight of the set comes on the stunning performance of Roger MillerëƵs ëƵRiver in the Rain.ëƵ KraussëƵ voice is both gentle and focused on this passionate number originally written for the 1985 Broadway musical ëƵBig River.ëƵ

The Glen Campbell staple ëƵGentle on My MindëƵ has always been a country favorite of mine and KraussëƵ take is comforting and nostalgic.

The 45-year-old singerëƵs version of Brenda LeeëƵs ëƵAll Alone Am IëƵ is simply breathtaking as KraussëƵ voice portrays a fragile vulnerability created from a heart that has been broken and abandoned.

Krauss also nails the emotional messages conveyed on Willie NelsonëƵs ëƵI Never Cared for YouëƵ and the Vern Gosdin hit ëƵDream of Me.ëƵ

The Elmer Laird penned ëƵPoison LoveëƵ features backing vocals by Dan Tyminski and Jamey Johnson.

The Eddy Arnold and Ray Charles track ëƵYou DonëƵt Know MeëƵ closes the set by getting a tender makeover by Krauss as she softly serenades about lost love.

KraussëƵ voice is spectacular throughout the album. Her angelic voice mesmerizes as it tenderly caresses each word of every lyric.

ëƵWindy CityëƵ is vintage country and classic Krauss.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at /week.