Well-produced Americana from a masterful storyteller/singer
Donald Dickerson | 01/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first became familiar with Chris Stuart when he was performing with the fine contemporary bluegrass band, Cornerstone. Originally from Florida, Chris is now a Californian who clearly shows that he's still got southern musical sensibilities and a knack for crafting and singing beautiful expressive songs with meaningful messages. In 1993, Stuart took top honors in both the bluegrass and gospel categories at the Merlefest Chris Austin songwriting contest. Over the years, his songs have been recorded by Claire Lynch, Suzanne Thomas, Sally Jones, the Schankman Twins, Tina Adair, and others. Best described as Americana music, "Angels of Mineral Springs" features first-rate guest artists Ron Block, Chris Jones, Irl Hees, Gabe Witcher, Pam Daley, Eric Uglum, Marshall Andrews, and others. Besides guitar, violin, bass and some sparingly used mandolin and banjo, Hammond organ, percussion, cello, viola, tinwhistles, and keyboard also find their way into the mix on this album. Gabe Witcher fiddles a haunting half-minute "Desert Lullaby Intro" to set the stage for a sad tale of doom in "Springhill Mine." Pam Daley provides a beautifully blended harmony vocal on this, and other ballads on the album. A funky classic soulful sound is given to "Elvis Stays Home," which tells of one of Elvis' childhood dreams, its foreboding of the future, and what Elvis would've done had he not left to become King. "I Did Not Hear Them Go," a relaxed Celtic-flavored song, is an expressive and unique way to ask about lost loves. Ron Block's banjo drives a bluegrassy "The Road Into Town," with its "love of the old mountain home" theme. The album's title cut is an uplifting tale of two angels. Pam Daley and Gabe Witcher provide a rawboned arrangement of "Desert Lullaby," a soothing new-timey tune with an old-timey feel featuring only vocals and fiddle. The singing of Chris Stuart, Pam Daley and Eric Uglum sent a chill up my spine as they harmonize "Saro, I'll forever call your name" for a pioneer child lost. Country music influences are apparent as the album begins to draw to a close with the songs, The Last Yellow Rose, Slow Dancing at Evangeline's, and Chasing the Fire. Stuart ends the project with an inspirational message of hope in "A Single Candle." Chris Stuart is a talented singer and masterful storyteller. With this album, he takes his eloquent lyrics, and complements them with beautiful accompaniment and pleasant musical arrangements. It's simply exceptional music, spiced up with many different influences so all should find something to tingle their aural palette on "Angels of Mineral Springs." I personally wouldn't have minded a few more uptempo pieces, but, all in all, this album is a very professional and well-produced showcase for Americana singer/songwriter Chris Stuart. He is currently fronting a band called "Chris Stuart and Backcountry" so look for them also at a venue or festival near you. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now magazine)"
Top pick
Archie Warnock | Crownsville, MD United States | 09/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Got my copy of this CD the other day. It's a breath-taking recording, expertly crafted by one of the best songwriters anywhere. It's my pick for the best alt.country recording of the year."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1