THE SPARES

The Spares

2007-06-11

The debut CD of Chicago duo Jodee Lewis and Steve Hendershot, this is a real melding of country and blues music that ends up as soulful Americana (yet another new sub-genre?). Lewis, who does sound like a young Alison Krauss, was a chemical engineer before she hooked up with journalist Hendershot to become The Spares. She has an emotional voice and does best on the quieter, heartfelt numbers such as "Allentown," Valley of Vision" and "Grace." But a couple of the up-tempo songs are fine, too, like the opener, "Mexico," and an insightful tune about dating as older adults, "Isn't it Obvious." I hope they keep away from their day jobs, because this duo has potential. 05/07 MJVD F-Alternative-Country