ROOTS

Latest releases reviewed

THE GRASGALS  The Grasgals  Rounder  ***

Immaculate harmonies, intricate, note-perfect bluegrass playing and a sense of gusto are the trademarks of this debut album by a six-man collection of Nashville session players. They come armed with a typically effusive Dolly Parton endorsement ("one of the greatest albums I have ever listened to") and a glowing series of references. But, strong as this debut is, The Grasgals lack a clear identity. That will most likely come with time, but for the moment this tasteful reheating of standards (Sweet By and By, the blistering Viva Los Vegas with Dolly joining in), combined with fine new songs such as the high lonesome sound of Lonely Street and the sweeping instrumental Sally Goodin will do just fine. www.grasgals.com

Joe Breen

SARAH LEE GUTHRIE AND JOHNNY IRION Exploration New West ****

He sounds like a cross between Gram Parsons and Neil Young; she inspires thoughts of Emmylou Harris and Natalie Merchant; together this married duo have delivered a notable debut that sounds so familiar you may feel they've been around forever. Produced by Gary Louris (as in The Jayhawks) and Ed Ackerson, the 12-track Exploration is dotted with good songs, the bulk written by Irion. But the poor man has to share the spotlight with genuine roots royalty: Sarah Lee is Arlo's daughter and, of course, Woody's granddaughter. That's some legacy to carry around with you. But she does it with ease. She sings well and harmonises even better. But it is Irion who drives this alt.country mission with some zeal. Listen to the opening, Parson-ish In Lieu of Flowers and/or the rocking Jayhawk-ish Gervais to get a sense of their breadth and punch. www.sarahleeandjohnny.com

Joe Breen

PETE SEEGER American Favourite Ballads Vol 3 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings ***

For completists only, the re-released American Favourite Ballads Vol 3 is the third in a five-album series. Though the line-up has altered to encompass material from Seeger's Frontier Ballads collections, this is essentially a snapshot of a musician who was devoted to the pursuit of political freedom in his beloved home of the (not so) free and the brave. Pete Seeger's genteel, bare-boned voice was never his primary calling card. But his take on the classic Arkansas Traveller, alongside his uncanny ability to convey subtle opprobrium in the seemingly macho-tinged Ain't It a Shame (with its eyebrow-raising line, "Ain't it a shame to beat your wife on Sunday") are proof positive of an artist whose reach stretched way beyond his vocal register. www.folkways.si.edu

Siobhán Long