Allison Moorer

I’ve continued to listen to Lori McKenna’s “Lorraine” almost daily since reporting about it. It’s probably the best cd purchase I’ve made lately. This week I thought I’d feature Allison Moorer. Allison is the younger sister of Shelby Lynne and although Shelby is the more popular of the two I have a personal preference for Allison’s music. The first video is a track from her second album, “The Hardest Part”. Much of her early music was about heart break and break up. I have to wonder whether some of that was self fulfilling prophecy as her first marriage to Doyle Primm ended in divorce. This song, “Send Down An Angel” is also prophetic in nature if you consider second husband Steve Earle could be the angel referred to, unlikely as that might seem! Certainly the angel in the video is an unlikely looking sort. Allison and Steve have been married for about 11 years and currently reside in Greenwich Village. In keeping with the folk singing spirit of the place they named their first child John Henry Earle last year. Allison and Steve appear to be very happy together and just might be each other's Johnny and June! I won’t review one of her albums just now, but will certainly get to that at some point. Great songwriter, mellow, low vocals, dripping in Southern honey, that’s Allison Moorer, one of the most underrated songbirds out there. Enjoy the vids! Oh, and by the way she’s beautiful! When Steve Earle says he’s “seriously over-married” in the second video, he ain’t kidding! The third shows Allison as an awesome cover artist paying tribute to Willy Nelson. Check her out at:

http://allisonmoorer.com/

 

 

 

Men's Choir Experence

I had the opportunity to participate in a male choir today at our Sunday stake conference meeting. A stake in LDS lingo is similar to a Cathlic diocese, a collection of congregations (wards). We sang 2 numbers, Mack Wilberg's arrangement of "Reedemer of Israel" and "I Need The Every Hour" from the hymn book men's section. The choir director had a great feel for the music and brought out our best. It's hard to explain what an exquisite experience that was. I'm certainly no great singer, but in situations like this the sum is greater than the parts and even though my contribution was minimal, it was an amazing thing. I believe a men's chorus can have a powerful effect on the human soul. That was the case today. Just grateful to have been a part of it!

Lori McKenna - Lorraine

I've followed Lori McKenna for a number of years. She is definitely one of my favorite singers and songwriters. I got to see her a few years ago at a folk and bluegrass festival at Snowbird ski resort. Afterward she autographed her "Unglamorous" cd for me. When I asked for a picture she raced around the merch table and threw her arm around my waist (about as high as she could reach!) then had her assistant snap the shot, twice for good measure! She does love her fans! Her songs have been recorded by many well known country singers. Most recently Keith Urban covered "The Luxury of Knowing", first track on this cd. The album is titled Lorraine, Lori's full name and her mother's who died when Lori was 7. That gives a pretty good idea of where this record is headed. It's the most personal, autobiographical work she has ever done. It's a very cohesive collection of heartfelt, ofttimes heart wrenching songs. I also think it's the most cohesive, consistent work she's ever done. All tracks are great, but my favorites are: "If He Tried", "Lorraine", "You Get a Love Song", "Buy This Town", "That's How You Know" and "Sweet Disposition". "If He Tried" re-visits the neglected housewife theme reminiscent of "Stealing Kisses", Faith Hill's fine cover. I predict some savvy country singer is going to latch onto "Sweet Disposition" and have a huge hit on her hands. I can't stop myself from singing a bit of harmony whenever the phrase "Sweet Disposition" shows up at the end of a verse. Piano is also effectively used on this album as on "If He Tried" and "Still Down Here", the final track. On "Still Down Here" she's that fragile, vulnerable little kid desperately missing her mother. Very intimate, very tender. This one's a must have!

For more information see:  http://performingsongwriter.com/lori-mckenna-lorraine/
This site is a great source for all things singer/songwriter.

I've inserted a video of "The Luxury of Knowing". Enjoy!