Fiddler, guitarist, singer, and songwriter Laurie Lewis first carved out a career in bluegrass some 50 years ago, at a time when women couldn’t always claim their proper place within the musical firmament. With her new album, O California, from Spruce and Maple Music, she chooses to focus on a decidedly natural connection, specifically, the world around her and the places that enable her to find a fit. Here’s a set of songs that mostly take a celebratory stance, courtesy of five Lewis’ originals, five traditional songs (some of which find newly added lyrics), and a tune composed by Lewis’ friend and mentor, the great Alice Gerrard.
The album illuminates enthusiasm from start to finish, whether it’s in the ebullience given the fully-informed delivery of Look Down That Lonesome Road, the absolute jubilation expressed by My True Love Loves Me, the rousing instrumental, Hell Broke Loose In Georgia, the joyful take on This Little Light Of Mine, or the determined delivery that powers Wheel Of Life. On the other hand, emotion takes precedence in certain proceedings as well, as expressed in the tender trappings of One Tiny Spark, the longing lament, Voices Of the Water, the delicate designs of Fair and Tender Ladies, and the swoon and sway that ripples through both Sweet South Anna River and the title track. Without exception, there’s positive reassurance found in each of these entries.
Lewis’ esteemed colleagues The Right Hands — Brandon Godman (fiddle and occasional lead vocals), George Guthrie (banjo, lead guitar, harmonies and occasional lead vocals), Hasee Ciaccio (string bass, harmonies, occasional lead vocals), and special guest Sam Bush (mandolin) — live up to their highly vaulted handle. Lewis herself takes on vocals, guitar, and fiddle on the title tune.
In short, O California is as glorious as The Golden State itself — courtesy of music that’s rich, riveting, and flush with promise and personality. It’s bluegrass at its most memorable and melodic.
