Customer Reviews

Cumberland River Dreams

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4 star:		(1)
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Dale Ann Bradley hails from Kentucky, the heart of bluegrass country, but she isn't shy about branching beyond the traditional confines of the genre. Her signature sound has evolved to become a blend of bluegrass, folk and country that is both pleasant and mesmerizing. Bradley began performing at age 14, then in 1990, she joined the New Coon Creek Girls as lead singer and guitarist. Bradley's first solo album was released in 1997, the same year she began performing as Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek. In 2001, Tom Adams (banjo) and Michael Cleveland (fiddle) joined her band. "Cumberland River Dreams" is a solo album that pairs her with some outstanding accompanists: Michael McLain, the late Eddie Miller, Barry Bales, Dan Tyminski, Aubrey Haynie, Rob Ickes, Steve Gulley, Ronnie Bowman, Alison Krauss, Dale Perry, Gena Britt, Don Gulley, and Jeff Taylor.

With her undeniable talent as a singer, Dale Ann taps her varied musical influences to present a splendidly delightful contemporary sound. From Gordon Lightfoot's "The Circle is Small" to Randy Scruggs' and Johnny Cash's "Passin' Thru," Bradley sings in a polished, powerful manner. Five numbers penned by Bradley (and Vicki Simmons) are also included, with each song setting its own mood for the story to be told. The album opens with a love song, "I Wish It'd Been You." "Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt" reveals her strong faith during her mother's battle with cancer, while "Granny Cat" is a hard-hitting ballad of her great-great-grandmother, a pioneer woman who had the strength to leave an abusive relationship in search of a better life. Searching for the perfect place to sooth heartache is the topic of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Bradley's title cut, "Cumberland River Dreams," is an autobiographical account with its nostalgic reflections of home.

Dale Ann Bradley builds on her solid bluegrass foundation to embellish her presentation with modern sensibilities. Her singing is bright and breezy, and the accompaniment is first-rate. She's a captivating and irresistible artist. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Dale Ann Bradley made her recording debut with the New Coon Creek Girls before she recorded her first (official) solo-album in 1997 for Pinecastle Records. The beautiful "East Kentucky Moring" was a great start and she became one of my most favourite bluegrass singers from the first time I heard her voice. Her second album "Old Southern Porches" was also a very good album (but not as good as her first) but after that she left Pinecastle for Doobie Shea Records. Together with Dan Tyminski and her loyal friend Vicki Simmons she made the amazing "Cumberland River Dreams" cd. And I can tell you: it's a stunning record with the best bluegrass you can ever want to hear. Great songs like "Beyond A Shadow Of A Doubt" (about her mother dying from cancer) and "Granny Cat" (the story of Vicki Simmons' great, great grandmother, who lived around 1865). If you like "Mountain Soul" from Patty Loveless (and who wouldn't?) and the albums from Alison Krauss you sure must try the music from Dale Ann Bradley.

In a pure, clear voice, Dale Ann Bradley sings country the way it used to be sung - honestly, with her heart and soul. Some have characterized Dale Ann as a bluegrass musician, but that label is too restrictive to describe her work. Her style is traditional, but her voice is original. If you love the sounds of Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss (who harmonizes on "I Wish It'd Been You), or any of the other great ladies of country, give Dale Ann a try. On this album - one of her best - some of the songs are upbeat, some are slow and mournful, and some are simply beautiful. No tricks, no gimmicks - just a wonderful artist who deserves much more attention than she currently receives.

The musicianship and sound of this disc are excellent, really textured blugrass with a nice full sound. A few of the songs had "1st person" lyrics which I found a bit too literal for my tastes but that's me. The sound and concept are similar to "So Long, So Wrong" by Union Station.

An album Dale should be proud of. Doobie Shea records out of Boones Mill, Va, moved to Nashville a few years ago I think, and these older CD releases by them are lost gems, buy 'em when you find them.

Okay, umm Dale Ann Bradley's music is awesome and usually I wouldnt care for bluegrass but this is something special. Her voice is like a angel singing. She is an truly amazing singer and has the gift of god. plus, her son isnt bad looking! :)