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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A New Look at Old Music, December 17, 2005
For a style of music that's so supremely rooted in homespun traditions, front porch gatherings, and community, bluegrass has slid on keeping women active in the fold. Even women stars like Adrienne Young and Laurie Lewis tend to have all or mainly men in their backing bands. Not so for Uncle Earl, an all-female supergroup playing some of the most forward-thinking, progressive old-timey music you can get out there right now.
The troupe a quartet (now a quintet on tour) who play originals and traditionals with a distinctly acoustic mindset that isn't shackled to twang of the past. Though there is no doubt the group is playing bluegrass, they bring in hints of jazz, blues, Cape Breton music, and more in the progressive acoustic mold. Even better, all members of the group are also confident artists with careers apart from the group--we get the benefit of strong soloists who aren't going to be subverted by their own egos.
Original songs like "Pale Moon," "Divine," and "Take These Chains" give group members an opportunity to strech their legs as innovators and rotating group leaders. But the solo mindset under these tunes is carefully balanced with old traditionals like "Willie Taylor" and covers like "There Is a Time" which allow the members to vanish into a greater whole. The interplay of these forces creates a complex tapestry of sound in which no single creative voice dominates the others.
This is the third album issued under the Uncle Earl name, though it's the first to go into wide release. Not only does it serve as an excellent introduction to the band, it can turn the audience on to the individual members, most of whom have their own work out as well. (Abigail Washburn is definitely the star of the group, but I'm fond of Rayna Gellert's distinctive and resonant voice, and her sharp fiddling.) If old-timey music has a place in a hip-hop world, these skilled and active women will be at the keystone. Look for more from them in the near future.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Infectiously spirited and expressively conveyed , August 4, 2005
Playing Time - 42:37 -- Mournfully sweet, infectiously spirited, and expressively conveyed are the best ways to describe the new old-time music offered by Uncle Earl. The four women not only reinvigorate old material, but they render it timeless. Besides finding material from obscure sources, they are able to also pen a few originals (Divine, Take These Chains, Pale Moon) whose juxtaposition in the set hardly delineates the old from the new. Perfectly attuned to the string band ways of yesteryear, Uncle Earl exhibits a collective vision for their old-time music. Band members Kristin Andreassen, Rayna Gellert, KC Groves, and Abigail Washburn each contribute to the lead and harmony vocals. These vocal talents provide many options to the band for song arrangement. Then, underlying their vocals, are exhilarating guitar, fiddle, mandolin and banjo. Each member has their role, and performs it masterfully. Interestingly, the four come from different states and diverse solo careers. Andreassen is a clogger and stepdancer with Maryland's Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. Washburn sang with soul, gospel, and reggae bands. Gellert is an accomplished second-generation old-time fiddler. Groves is a compelling songsmith and singer. Guest artists include Dan Rose (bass), Dirk Powell (banjo and accordion on one track with each), and Christine Balfa (triangle one track). I understand that Uncle Earl has added Sharon Gilchrist (mandolin, bass, vocals) to their permanent lineup since recording "She Waits for Night." While the band members hail from Colorado, North Carolina, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C., they all share a common desire to decorate and embellish the current old-time music mosaic.
Beaming with life, this album has music that is both animated and radiant. There are uptempo fiddle bowing, reflective a capella gospel, instrumental string interplay, plaintive ballads, and even some feet clogging. Formed in 1999, Uncle Earl also puts on one entertaining live show. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Superbly Fresh and Unique American Music, November 9, 2005
Women have long held important roles in rural American songwriting and music-making. This group of young women are worthy successors. Far too original and ambitious to be simply keepers of the flame, Uncle Earl makes old-time music that's undeniably contemporary. Their topical songs weave stories grounded in today's realities. And their expansive repertoire of old-time cover tunes inspires the classics with the living essence of our time. Frankly, I bought this one on a lark ... hoping for the best. And I got the very best indeed.
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by Uncle Earl 
