What happens when you mix bluegrass, folk, and the blues? You end up with something quite extraordinary. When I first listened to The Greencards' new album Fascination I was blown away. There are three songs on the CD I can't stop listening to. And the rest of the songs are far from throwaways - they just happen to play second fiddle to the songs I can't get out of my head.
Carol Young and Kym Warner hail from Australia and Eamon McLoughlin is from the U.K. So how did this band form in Austin, TX, and end up being based in Nashville, TN? And how the heck have they slipped under my radar since 2003?
It was their love of bluegrass that brought them all together in the States. From there, over the last few years they've recorded multiple albums and toured with such greats as Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. Their fans aren't the only ones who know a good group when they hear it. They've gathered many awards and acclamations, from the Americana Music Award for “Emerging Artist of the Year” in 2006 to 2008’s “Best Country Instrumental Performance” Grammy nomination for Viridian. If Fascination is any indication, the group is only getting better.
The trio merges voice and natural instruments to let the music simply take over. And from the first track to the last, I found my toes tapping and my body wanting to dance (something you really don't want to see). I have never heard so many instruments, from bass and bouzouki, to violin and xylophone, played so flawlessly by such a small group. It just takes over and fills your heart.
Young has one of those voices that haunts me. She could probably sing the phone book and I'd pay to hear it. And when paired with the harmonies and strings of Kym and Eamon, there are layers that just give me the chills.
What totally blew me away is how effortless it seems as a listening experience. The album flows from beginning to end and just takes you along for the ride.
But beyond the instruments and vocals, the songs are unique. If you listen to the melodies, you hear elements of country, bluegrass, the blues, jazz, and even some rock thrown in for good measure. And then if you listen to the lyrics, each tells a story with the rhythm of poetry.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
I've heard their previous work and enjoyed it. will have to check this out
2 - Fitz
Hey El Bicho... Thanks for the comment. This has to be one of my favorite albums of 2009 so far for sure.