With Roots & Wings

Although the folk and country scenes have had their political differences over the years -- folk is full of outspoken liberals, while country has had its share of outspoken conservatives -- the two also have a lot of musical common ground. Some alt-country artists have been influenced by Bob Dylan, and the late Johnny Cash is idolized on the folk circuit. On top of that, it is no secret that American folk, country, and bluegrass all owe a debt of gratitude to the traditional Irish, Scottish, and British songs that immigrants brought to the United States many years ago. So considering everything that folk and country have in common, it isn't surprising when one comes across a CD that has one foot in folk-rock and the other in country-rock -- a CD like Angel Band's second album, With Roots & Wings. Because Angel Band are an all-female vocal trio that contributes to country-rock, some listeners may be tempted to compare them to the Dixie Chicks or SHeDAISY -- and it should be noted that Lloyd Maines (father of the Dixie Chicks' lead singer, Natalie Maines) does most of the producing on this 2008 release. But Angel Band aren't nearly as slick or glossy as the Dixie Chicks or SHeDAISY can be; With Roots & Wings is a lot more organic-sounding, and it has more to offer from a folk-rock standpoint. It is hard to imagine corporate country stations embracing rootsy gems like "Drown in the Fountain of Good," "Moon Over Montgomery," and "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep," but it is easy to envision this excellent CD receiving a favorable response from both folk and alternative country audiences. Nancy Josephson, Jen Schonwald, and Kathleen Weber (collectively Angel Band) are fine singers who handle themselves impressively well on original material as well as a cover of Chip Taylor's "Angel of the Morning." With Roots & Wings is a consistently rewarding sophomore effort from Angel Band. ~ Alex Henderson