Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

At the beginning of the 20th century in Catalunya, several approaches to music lived side by side, some succeeding and overlapping each other a German-influenced post-romanticism, of Wagnerian tradition; a Spanish nationalism, promoted by Felip Pedrell; and a InchnovecentistInch style which sought to reconnect with the truest traditional roots, crystallizing into a language of great originality. All these aesthetic approaches co-existed naturally and became entwined in the works of composers whose language was constantly evolving. Within this musical context, the artistic lives began of three important Catalan composers of three consecutive generations Joan Manén (1883-1971), Robert Gerhard (1896-1970) and Xavier Montsalvatge (1912 -2002) composers whose extensive output has been performed and received international recognition, and who set out to find their own personal voice from the starting points of different musical styles. All three composed sonatas for cello and piano - works which depart from Spanish traditional music and look to Europe, assimilating the stylistic influences that most suited their contrasting sensibilities and thus making an authentic and original contribution to 20th century musical composition.

Loveless is like a breath of fresh air on a steamy summer afternoon. Mountain Soul is a rare and brilliant acoustic 14-track album of bluegrass mountain music. Amidst the mandolins, fiddles, and banjos is Loveless' harking alto voice, singing from her soul to the music she grew up with. Just when you thought the days of Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and the Stanley Brothers were gone, Loveless brings them back with new life and staggering grace.

As always, Patty Loveless connects with listeners, singing about their joys and sorrows. SLEEPLESS NIGHTS is her newly recorded homage to the classic country hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s. She personally selected each song, country classics first made popular by George Jones, Hank Locklin, Porter Wagoner, Webb Pierce, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Conway Twitty. Born and bred country, Pattys pure crooning on these favorites is yearning and melancholy, enhanced only by sparse accompaniment. The new sessions feature several legendary band members guitarist Harold Bradley, who played on the original hits of Patsy Cline and Roy Orbison; blind pianist InchPigInch Robbins, an equally legendary session musician for decades; and the brilliant Al Perkins (ex-Flying Burrito Brothers and Manassas member) who plays steel guitar on many tracks.