CD Review: Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman: We Made it Home

Sometime in the past, I was fortunate that my email address entered the mail listing for Hearth Music, for they have provided me with some awesome music - including Melody Walker and her CD Gold Rush Goddess. Recently they sent me Walker's latest collaboration with partner Jacob Groopman -- We Made it Home -- which is also produced by folk icon Laurie Lewis.  The result is pure entertainment. There's great guitar picking (such as in the title track, Retinue, and Little Blue Caboose); beautiful harmonies (Retinue again and Black Grace); and great balance between songs lead by Walker and then Groopman. His Come on Mule and Sweet Sunny South may be my favorites - both with Levon Helm-ish qualities. There's also a moving song about "Billy the Champ" and two unique covers: Paul Simon's Graceland and Mississippi Moon from Peter Rowan.  This duo has shown that winning the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest was no fluke.  Pair with a 21st Amendment Bitter American. Cheer.