Working with producer and acclaimed roots artist Buddy Miller on this release, Moorer has conjured a rich pastiche of the phases of women's hearts, lives, needs, and yearnings on this recording of other peoples' songs. It's about honoring the women who inspired her. "Mockingbird" is an album of subtlety, sensuality, and grace. Moorer is a 2008 Grammy Award nominee for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (Steve Earle & Allison Moorer).
One of the most technically gifted vocalists in contemporary country, Allison Moorer sharpens her interpretive chops through this selection of songs from other female artists. After setting the tone with her self-composed, bittersweet title track, framed by chamber strings and punctuated with a saxophone solo, she and ace producer-guitarist Buddy Miller find revelatory dimensions in material by artists ranging from Nina Simone (the sultry, torchy "I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl") to Joni Mitchell (an older-and-wiser "Both Sides Now") to June Carter Cash ("Ring of Fire," which she wrote for her husband, Johnny, and which here features a languid vocal over a rhythm loop). You'd expect Moorer to do fine by her sister Shelby Lynne ("She Knows Where She Goes"), Gillian Welch ("Revelator"), and Julie Miller ("Orphan Train"), but it's a real surprise to hear her connecting from the inside out with Patti Smith's hypnotic "Dancing Barefoot" or channeling the blues of Ma Rainey ("Daddy, Goodbye Blues," featuring Moorer's husband Steve Earle). Moorer shouldn't give up writing, but she obviously doesn't need to write much to make inspired music that sounds very much her own. --Don McLeese
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
More Than Just The "Duchess Of Earle":
Every bit as big a firebrand as her husband, the uber-maverick Steve Earle, Allison Moorer has shown herself capable of immersing herself in very roots-oriented music throughout her careeer, usually that combination of rock, R&B, folk, and country called "Americana." Her last two albums, 2004's THE DUEL and 2006's GETTING SOMEWHERE, were tremendous examples of her approach. Her newest one, MOCKINGBIRD, continues that tradition of hers. Ironically enough, given her considerable songwriting pedigree,... more info
Good Stuff:
There's a great variety of songs here. She doesn't lose her country roots but she has definitely branched out. As usual, her voice is top quality. Several reviewers have dogged Ring of Fire. I totally disagree, this is a fine, original take on the song. People tend to get hung up on the original, just listen to it for what is. Great slow violins and guitars in the background, her voice patiently and beautifully carrying the tune. Embellishing the cd are the great musicians on hand including husband... more info
Another Great one from Allison:
I love Allison! I can listen to her anywhere, anytime and I always just love her music and her voice. She's never made a bad album and this is no exception, it's fantastic. I might start thinking this is my favorite, but when I think of all the great songs on the albums, I realize it's just one more great album full of great songs. I love you Allison!
Good covers album:
While some of these songs don't really fit Allison's voice, her voice is strong enough to prevent any of these from being a true dud. Strongest cover is of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now." I'd even put that cover up with the original.
