Caroline Doctorow / The Songs of Mary McCaslin (Narrow Lane Records)
Caroline Doctorow pays tribute with a CD of songs by Mary McCaslin, a pioneer of the folk genre. Acoustic folk with a touch of country. Songs are quiet, lyrics taking center stage. Sentimental, longing. The reediness of Doctorow's voice plays well with the overall gentleness of the songs, but seems maybe too prominent on some songs. No FCCS detected. Faves: 6,7,11 --eme o.

1: Dust Devils (4:45) Mid-slow, acoustic guitar sharing attention with the lyrics. Electric country guitar in the background.
2: Prairie in the Sky (3:24) Songs opens like dawn breaking, Doctorow singing over ambience.
3: Way Out West (4:47) Banjo leads off mid-up song about thwarted wishes and disappointed hopes.
4: Circle of Friends (4:47) Mid-tempo song about recovering from lost love
5: The Crossroads (3:43) Twangy country guitar makes an appearance
6: Young Westley (5:09) More country twang, bass-line reminiscent of Ring of Fire
7: Back to Salinas (3:41) Something like a country waltz.
8: Northfield (2:43) Cheerful banjo something of a contrast with the story of running from heartache.
9: Down the Road (2:25) Jaunty travel song, looking ahead with promise.
10: Santana Song (3:07) Electric sitar makes an appearance, combining with flute to give this song an exotic feel.
11: Music Strings (1:38) Gently plucked guitar strings. Pretty, pure folk instrumental.