A recent release reviewed

ALISON KRAUSS AND UNION STATION
Lonely Runs Both Ways Rounder Records
***
The long-awaited new studio album from bluegrass's leading band is a mild affair, heavy on sensitivity but light on surprise. Alison Krauss's beautifully pure voice dominates, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Many of her tracks are similar, large dollops of soft-focus sincerity wrapped in admittedly stunning instrumental settings. Dan Tyminski's and Ron Block's more rugged vocals are not used often enough to completely offset this glazed impression, though Tyminski's version of Woody Guthrie's Pastures of Plenty resonates with passion and intensity, while Block's own I Don't Have to Live This Way is equally impressive. But Krauss is the real attraction, and while more adventure would have been more rewarding, her voice is one of the most compelling around. www.alisonkrauss.com - Joe Breen

IRIS DEMENT
Lifeline Flariella Records
***
"These songs aren't about religion. At least for me they aren't." There is a sense of Iris DeMent retaliating first in the introduction to her first album in eight years - a gap that speaks volumes for the poverty of imagination in the music industry. DeMent's twangy earnestness is in striking contrast to, say, Alison Krauss's uncluttered purity, and there is little doubt that her brand of rustic country folk is a marketing nightmare. These country Gospel songs, set in spartan arrangements, hark back to her childhood and clearly mean much to her. They are songs of humility that give and seek comfort. My favourite was written in 1867. Near the Cross features just DeMent's voice and a plaintive piano, and is a fine example of how less can be much more. www.irisdement.com - Joe Breen

CHRIS TWOMEY
Midnight on the Water No label
***
Like a cross between the harp and banjo, the autoharp is, despite its deep bluegrass roots, a rarity these days. Its comfortably handles high lonesome and complex melody lines with casual ease, and its passionate champions include The Carter Family. Chris Twomey, formerly of The Lee Valley String Band, has gathered a quirky coterie of tunes together for his solo début. From the distinctly colloquial The Bells of Shandon, where autoharp and concertina engage in divine communion, to the reverential Kentucky Is Only A Dream, Twomey reaches into the emotional void left by the dearth of quality country and bluegrass musicians darkening our doors. Produced with an ear for subtle understatement by Eoin Ó Riabhaigh, this album is a small but perfectly formed gem.
www.thelivingtradition.com  - Siobhán Long