MARTHA SCANLAN

The West Was Burning

2007-02-26

Martha Scanlan, former band member of the Reeltime Travelers, trots into her solo career with "The West was Burning," and her bluegrass/folk tunes take listeners out onto the porch to drink lemonade and watch the stars. This songstress is spiritual, with an added earthly charm. She sings to God, the trees, faded jeans ... she is true Americana ... an earthy, country gal paying homage to all that is divine. From the sweet tea love song seeped in natural metaphors "Seeds of the Pine," to a full-bodied rendition of Reverend James Cleveland's gospel classic, "Get Right Church," Scanlan's variety, poetry and lack of pretention take her to the top of the mountain. – Sarah Cosgrove