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5/3/2009
Johnny Full-Time
I've always enjoyed the finger picking style of guitar Blues, but I have never had much of it in my collection; that's why I was so excited to listen to the new Yellow Dog Records release from Mary Flower, Bridges.
Flower is a beautiful singer, not shouting the Blues, or even moaning them. No, it's more like a lament, and you can feel it from the beginning. On the disc's first track, “Rhythm of the Road,” Flower seems to enjoy her Blues, but at the same time, she longs for the things she sings about.
“Home is a memory, So close to me. When will I see that willow tree that beckons me back home?”
The playing on this album is immaculate, and the lack of drums on the CD actually adds depth to the music. Flower slides fluidly from Country Blues to Gospel to Bluegrass numbers. The vocals are rich and warm, and the new material is well written, especially ”Portland Town,” a clever nod to Mary Flower's new surroundings in Portland, Oregon.
There are some amazing instrumental numbers on Bridges, as well as some covers of old tunes from Big Bill Broonzy and Bessie Smith that were perfect picks for Flower's style. All of this alongside some great new tracks makes for an excellent album for you to purchase and play on those Sunday afternoons in the back yard.
Standout Tracks – The Gospel Number “When I Get Home I'm Gonna Be Satisfied,” “The Ghost of the St. Louis Blues,” and “Portland Town”