Eddi Reader: Vagabond

Joyous, freewheeling and celebratory, Eddi Reader has entered a purple patch over the past year. Her most recent live performances have been an object lesson in the fine art of pacing and communication. Vagabond – an apt self-moniker – is personal in both its tone and range of subject matter. Reader had a hand in the writing of nine of the 14 songs here, high-stepping her way from intimate, humorous family portraits (Back the Dogs) to the lessons learned on the road (Edinah). Roscommon piano accordionist Alan Kelly and songwriter/guitarist Boo Hewerdine weave intricate and delicate patterns between Reader's trademark honeychild vocals. Her cover of Declan O'Rourke's Married to the Sea takes the song right to its horizon, mining pathos with restraint and subtlety. Reader's star continues to soar, and Vagabond is a fine snapshot of what she calls the "magic carpet ride" of a music career. eddireader.com