Customer Reviews

Stillhouse Road

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Playing Time - 50:48 -- Julie Lee sings with a vengeance. Her pure sweet tone makes for an unmistakable sound. Her enticing vocals and high fidelity acoustic country instrumentation with drums (on over half of the tracks) are very warm, partially as a result of live recording to analog tape. As a poet, Julie's messages relate her faith and life's experiences on this album dedicated to her family. The title cut mentions rumors of her moonshine-brewing great -grandfather. And the family's recipe for cornmeal bread is disclosed in "Made from Scratch," the only cut with a little banjo in the mix. Her more serious and impressionistic songs are some of the best singer/songwriter I've heard in some time. "Beautiful Night" speaks to friendship and the joys of singing, laughing on the porch. "Many Waters" ardently states that love is priceless and as "strong as death." Julie arranged that song directly from scripture (the Song of Solomon, Chapter 8). A tale of abandonment and a failure to admit an inevitable truth is the theme of "Til the Cows Come Home." A spiritually-tinged gospel message is found "He's my Man." "James" references the story of Cain and Abel to convey her sadness after James Byrd, Jr. was brutally killed in Texas by white racists. "Sojourner Truth"was inspired by a photo of a 19th century abolitionist and the Underground Railroad which carried slaves to freedom. The CD jacket includes all lyrics, as well as family photos dating back to the 1930s.

Certainly not bluegrass, Julie Lee's format is a fusion of contemporary folk, country and Americana sounds that always keep her personal and reflective thoughts out front. Her previous self-produced demo recordings have helped her land the support of Nashville's Compadre Records. Produced by Andy West and Mike Porter, the supporting cast includes thirteen excellent artists such as Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Rob Ickes, Colin Linden, Larry Franklin, Tammy Rodgers, Jonathan Yudkin and others.

Originally from Maryland, Julie Lee has opened for Alison Krauss on numerous occasions. Of Irish and German descent, she grew up developing a personal appreciation for a simple rural lifestyle, history, old family memories, convictions and Christian values. While neither of her parents were musicians, her mother had an impressive record collection. Her influences range from Ella Fitzgerald and Carole King to Gillian Welch and Dolly Parton. At age 20, she took up guitar. With a fine arts degree, she ended up in Budapest, Hungary teaching English for two years. After returning to Maryland and working in a youth ministry, her muse took her to Nashville. Despite working at various jobs, she always stayed focused on her music. Befriending and opening for Alison Krauss were major turning points in Julie Lee's career. Her creative songs, pleasant vocals and professionally-produced presentation will build her a multitude of fans among those who simply appreciate roots music. Her feelings and beliefs are sung from the heart with character and soul. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

The first time I heard Julie sing, that's what I thought...she is like the Balm of Gilead. There is an almost tangible warmth blooming from her wise and truthful poetry and her lovely honest voice. Still, don't think it's all lullaby here, there's the whole wide experience of human emotion going on: the dance-happy memories of "Stilllhouse Road", the deeply peaceful "Beautiful Night", the righteous anger for "James", the hopeful, longing romance of "Til the Cows Come Home."

Should you wish to hear these tunes for yourself, check them out at www.julielee.org/music/

Having heard so many good things about this album, I was almost hesitant to listen to it, afraid that the album would not live up to its praise. In spite of that and despite my own lack of familiarity with bluegrass, I was immediately drawn into this album. Julie Lee has an uncanny ability to captivate her listener from the very first note.

With its upbeat rhythms and lilting harmonies, the title track is a perfect opener to this album. The third track, Many Waters, is so simple, yet so profound, a poem akin to the Song of Songs. The melody in Made from Scratch is full of life, and the chord progression is exactly what I hoped it would be. It's a great, fun song.

Listening to Beautiful Night, I felt as though if I turned to the window, I would surely see snowflakes falling. In a few short minutes, Julie Lee manages to capture the stillness, peace, and hope of a winter night.

Each song on this album is driven by a strong vocals, insightful lyrics, and unparalleled musicianship. Julie Lee's poetry is like that of Frost, evoking stirring images from nature to point to something beyond that nature.

This album is a treasure. I suppose it is the first official bluegrass album in my catalogue, but I have no doubt that it will fare splendidly in the company of Blue, Nashville Skyline and The Ghost of Tom Joad. I am thrilled that my musical tastes have been expanded yet again.

A refreshing change: Real songs, real musicians playing real instruments, not this blow-dried airbrushed "perfect noise" that bypasses real emotion in favor of Nashville.

Thanks, Julie, for making it!

If I were stuck on a desert island and could only have 5 albums, this would be one of them. Julie Lee sings like an angel. Her band is amazing. Her songwriting makes me laugh, cry, and feel like I'm going to burst with joy. This is an amazing album.

I can't wait for another album. She is a fusion between Bluegrass and Country.

Stillhouse Road is an awesome CD showcasing the talent of Julie Lee. I am buying a bunch of CD's to send to friends and family. Her voice is amazing.

I own not one, but three copies of this cd, my children each have their own signed copies (they give you 5 stars as well). Julie's voice is beautiful and she sings from her heart. Her songs tell stories from the past and present, just listen and enjoy!

Having heard Julie's earlier self produced albums, I was already a fan of her mixture of bluegrass, new country and gospel.

'Stillhouse Road' sees her unique delivery and beautiful songs coupled with an A list cast of Nashville stars - Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Colin Linden and Dave Pomeroy, amongst others. They really don't come much higher up the country food chain than this!

Beautifull songs, with a sparkling and nuanced production to match. Julie's destined for Bluegrass/Country stardom, for sure.

For those familiar with Julie Lee's independent releases, this record may come as something of a surprise. The arrangements are tighter and brighter, the instrumentation fuller and its all perhaps a touch more commercial. But in the midst of all the guest artists (Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Colin Linden) Julie's vocals continue to speak for themselves and her songwriting still has that spine-tingling quality. Highly recommended.