Album Review: Tellico - Relic And Roses

I'm an admitted dobro and pedal steel junky, so it shouldn't be surprising that I totally enjoyed Tellico's dobro and steel laced debut release: Relic And Roses. Of course there's more to this album then just Aaron Ballance on the aforementioned instruments; Jed Willis contributes solid  mandolin and clawhammer banjo; Jon Stickley (producer) of the Jon Stickley Trio; and then there's Anya Hinkle (guitar, fiddle) and Stig Stiglets (bass). You may be familiar with these names from their Dehlia Low days and the two wrote all tracks except the Neil Young White Line-River of Pride medley. Their songs are rootsy and full of life, whether uplifting or sorrowful. The album starts with an authentic Appalachian sound in Backstep Blues but its Can't Go Home Again where the album hits its stride. Just hear those instruments. Would love to hear the playful Hawkeye Pierce and Honeycutt Blues live, and Farewell Winds is the most powerful track - until you hear Mexico 1995. This is a tremendous debut effort; suburb orchestration and songwriting. Well done. Pair with Blonde Whiskey from Asheville Distilling Company. Cheers.

Album Review: The Honeycutters - Me Oh My

Asheville based The Honeycutters are ready to release their third album, Me Oh My, later this month and after listening continuously the last few days; there is still no sign of fatigue.  From the opening track, Jukebox, the band exudes the rootsy country flavor of the album with front women and songwriter Amanda Anne Platt delivering genuine songwriting and vocals.  I found myself following the advice of that song "it's only a song, so for heaven's sake won't you sing along" and singing along with the rest of the album. The orchestration from the band is quite  pronounced throuhout with Tal Taylor (Mandolin), Rick Cooper (Bass), Josh Milligan (Drums), and Matt Smith (Pedal Steel, Dobro, Electric Guitar). These guys can play. The title track and Ain't It The Truth are two powerfully themed songs followed by one of my favorite tracks: Carolina. Little Bird is also a must listen as it was a finalist in MerleFest's Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Want something more upbeat? I'll Be Loving You is for you; but Lucky may bring you back down. Pair with Asheville's music loving brewery, the French Broad Brewing Company. Cheers to this highly recommended album.