Somewhere South of Crazy Compass****

Bluegrass remains one of the most authentic sounds of Americana, a genre rich in history and tradition that continues to reflect the spirit of the God-fearing rural farming communities that gave birth to it. East Kentucky, one of the centres of the form, is where Dale Ann Bradley was born and lives. Bradley's delicate and nuanced understanding of melody and harmony is striking on this collection of ballads and snappy numbers. The title track, co-written and performed with veteran Pam Tillis, is a warm ballad with colourful mandolin and fiddle notes flying through the air, while the live Southern Porchesshowcases the character of her voice, prompting the MC to state: "If that don't turn you on, you've got no switches." This album, produced by label owner and master musician Alison Brown, is sprinkled with tasty and tasteful singing and playing. See daleann.com

Download tracks: Somewhere South of Crazy; Southern Porches; Come Home Good Boy