2010-06-23
Nobody’s Darlin’ is an all-girl string band based right here in Grand Rapids, performers are: Janet Shelby (banjo), Sara Q (mandolin), Barb Weatherhead (upright bass), Sarah Jane (guitar), and Natalie Beversluis (fiddle). Kitchen Girls is their 2nd cd and this time out they do a wonderful job covering gospel, love songs, and Appalachian folk tunes—or as the band says, “Lots of songs about Drinkin’, Dyin’, and Jesus!” Their influences include The Carter Family, Doc Watson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and The Bad Livers. I found lots of songs I hadn’t heard before, along with songs like “Bury Me Beneath the Willow” which has been recorded by everyone from The Carter Family in 1927 to a more recent Allison Krause version. Kitchen Girls is the embodiment of Americana music and these women use harmonizing vocals and delightfully simple arrangements to make this cd a pleasure. – Anne Lamont
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Cracked Open
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