REVIEW: “The Art of Virtue”
THE CD: “The Art of Virtue”
Adrienne Young & Little Sadie(Addiebelle Music)
On the web: www.adrienneyoung.com
Adrienne Young is a songwriter, bandleader and banjo player who draws inspiration from the 18th and 19th centuries and American’s agrarian roots. She has a great voice and is a fine songwriter, as on “Hills & Hollers.” Old-time music is a big influence on her songwriting and in the choice of non-original material (”Bonaparte’s Retreat,” “Don’t Get Weary,” “Billy in the Lowground.”). And while this CD is not exactly old-time music, there aren’t enough banjo pickin’ gals, are there?
On “Bonaparte’s Retreat” there is some nice interplay, but the banjo is lost in the mix to some fiddling that is just fine, but leans toward modern Celtic. On “Jump the Broom,” we hear a fine band in full bluegrass mode (with some tasty banjo from Rob McCoury).
“The Art of Virtue” is an enjoyable recording, and the CD design and production are first rate. Maybe next time Young could find players more versed in old-time idioms, crank up the banjo and use sparer production. Meanwhile, here’s hoping she draws more listeners into the fold.
– Paul Gartner
