AMERICANA -- Songs From Shannon has various musical genres it might easily slip into. It is country and folk, rock and bluegrass. There's even a little hint of Texas swing in Dark Cloud (who's influence could have been a r... more »esult of the year-and-a-half that Leslie Braly spent in Austin.) Ten years ago this kind of mix might have been confusing, but with pioneers such as Steve Earle, who broke barriers with his excellent and eclectic 1997 Warner Bros. release El Corazon, there is more room for artists to bend boundaries and find new roads to travel.« less
AMERICANA -- Songs From Shannon has various musical genres it might easily slip into. It is country and folk, rock and bluegrass. There's even a little hint of Texas swing in Dark Cloud (who's influence could have been a result of the year-and-a-half that Leslie Braly spent in Austin.) Ten years ago this kind of mix might have been confusing, but with pioneers such as Steve Earle, who broke barriers with his excellent and eclectic 1997 Warner Bros. release El Corazon, there is more room for artists to bend boundaries and find new roads to travel.
CD Reviews
Excellent CD! A wonderful mix of music
harry2477 | 09/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Leslie' Braly's "Songs From Shannon" is an excellent mix of country, folk, bluegrass...you name it! There's a little bit of everything, and her vocals are very unique and ingratiating, drawing you in with the first song, hooks in the music to make you want to repeat the songs over and over again!I'm not a huge fan of country, folk, or bluegrass music on the whole, but this was recommended to me by a friend and I have to say that I'm glad I purchased the album!Her debut album, I wish Leslie Braly a lot of success. Her music definitely deserves to be heard by many people. If you are even the least bit interested, I encourage you to buy this CD today!"
Interesting Find
Chance O'Brian | Warrior, AL USA | 09/10/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album was a very pleasent discovery. The songs are consistant so that if you like one you'll like them all. I've listened to it several times, and my favorite song has changed with each listening. Right now it is "House on Fire" which is an interesting southern gothic reminiscent of Faulkner's work. The fact that no one song dominates is refreshing. Taken as a whole, the album effectively combines conflicting themes like despair and hope without creating conflict in the music by abruptly change the tone."
Wonderful Warm Americana Comforter
Ande Lusia | New York City | 11/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first encountered Leslie Braly's Songs From Shannon disc as soundtrack to a weekend house party I attended a few weeks ago.That next Monday morning I realized how great an impression the music had made .I couldn't shake the tunes -coudn't stop whistling, humming,or thinking about this recording as I tried to go about my daily routine. Leslie Braly is the most compelling voice I've heard in quite a while.This disc covers favorite familiar ground, comfortable American ballads, dark southern storytelliing and a few edgy rockers but the feel of the record is so informal, fresh, enthusiastic and joyful .Leslie Braly writes all these tunes herself and delivers them in an amazingly beautiful voice that is obviously well schooled in the best of the genre (---Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt spring to mind ) but distinctively her own original confident instrument.This voice induces tears wellin' up and lumps in throat with the tender " I Found You " and the bouncy " Till the Father calls us Home" and demonstrates great range conveying a spooky, spiteful, unrepentant bad girl state of mind in "House on Fire" and "Hattiesburg". In closing I gotta say, I love this disc.Leslie Braly is the most exciting discovery I've made in years and I feel like I'm in the know at the start of something big.This is hands down my new favorite Artist. I am So already ready for the sophomore release.For the time being though, Songs From Shannon will remain in constant rotation in my cd player."
Stellar debut from a soon-to-be well-known artist
Ande Lusia | 09/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"you can't go wrong with this CD. leslie braly's voice is soothing and hypnotic -- all of the songs on this recording display her voice in the perfect manner. if i were to compare her voice to someone mainstream, i would say that it most resembles that of Maria McKee (formerly of Lone Justice). but, there's really no comparison...leslie manages to stand out all on her own. some of the highlights of this CD include "faithful are the wounds of a friend," "train song," "if you'll be my home," and "house on fire." undoubtedly worthy of nothing less than a five-star rating."
"This is a serious good record. Friends keep telling how good it is and finally someone forwarded a copy of the disc along with their praise.Well they were right it is very good and I'm just sorry it took me so long to get on board this train,cause now I'm the fellow telling everyone else how enjoyable it is.Someday I'm gonna be in a crowed holding up a bic lighter when Leslie Braly sings "Shannon".Thats a promise, cause that song is anthemic and I love it.And Snake-Foot don't like just everything under the sun, either.This is good stuff you can sing along with while your driving.5 stars,buddy!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1