Formed in Boston just over 15 years ago by Grand National Champion fiddler and founding member Kimber Ludiker, Della Mae achieved success early on when their 2013 release, This World Oft Can Be, earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. They scored additional acclaim when they were awarded Emerging Artist of the Year courtesy of the IBMA.
That was only the beginning of the accolades they were to achieve. Having toured internationally, mostly under the auspices of the U.S. State Department, they’ve performed in settings ranging from rural schools overseas to community bluegrass festivals here at home. Moreover, they continue to place importance on both their music and their messaging. Two of the four women identify themselves as lesbians, and all four advocate for LGBTQ and workers rights and representation.
Produced by Alison Brown, who also happens to head their current label, Compass Records, Magic Accident underscores the upbeat optimism inherent in their efforts. The band — Ludiker (fiddle and vocals), Celia Woodsmith (guitar, leadvocals), Vicki Vaughn (bass, vocals), and Avril Smith (guitar, vocals), with accompaniment from Brown on banjo — make a mighty sound, as expressive as it is enthusiastic.
Their message is consistently clear — don’t let pessimism prevail.
The melodies affirm the intent. The ebullient attitude expressed in songs such in Out Run ‘Em, Little Bird, I Compare Everyone To You, and the title track are obviously ingrained, affirming the fact even small victories are often well worth celebrating. The quiet, contemplative Nothing At All suggests that even an uneventful afternoon can be a source for celebration.
My Own Highway and Family Tree are equally assured, while the closing track, an a cappella, gospel-like offering that shares a call-and-response motif, expressly titled Takes All Kinds, offers its own affirmation. It’s main refrain argues that “to make the world go round, takes all kinds…”
Then there’s Out Run ‘Em, with an emphatic statement all its own:
“If you go with the crowd, you can’t outrun them
Can’t blaze a trail from the middle of the pack
Go on ahead and show ’em something
Full speed ahead, never lookin’ back…”
Few bands make such a decided statement. In Della Mae’s case, that resolve remains resolute.
