The CD opens with “Unholy Water,” which features the gorgeous yet haunting voice of bluegrass queen Dale Ann Bradley. It is followed by “Don’t Tell Me Stories,” where banjoist Gena Britt’s lead vocals are reminiscent of Rhonda Vincent. Tina Adair delivers a delicate performance on the ballad “Don’t Let Me Cross Over,” while Deanie Richardson does a killer fiddle solo on the instrumental “Ava’s Fury.”
Acoustic bassist Beth Lawrence is refreshing on “Falling,” and Adair showcases some angst on the sassy “Now Forever’s Gone.” Dale Ann shines yet again on the ballad “Look What I’m Trading For a Mansion,” where she proves to have the most gentle vocals in the bluegrass genre. Britt picks up the pace with the mid-tempo “I May Be a Fool,” as the other ladies compliment her on harmonies.
“Not This Time” is upbeat and fun, with stunning fiddle playing yet again. “All I Can Do” is hypnotic thanks to Dale Ann’s honey-rich voice, and Adair shreds some melancholy in “Mama’s Room,” and it closes with Dale Ann singing lead on “Blood Red & Goin’ Down,” which is worthy of the repeat button.
The Verdict
Overall, Sister Sadie delivers on their eponymous new album. They deserve to win the 2016 IBMA award for “Emerging Artist of the Year,” and Dale Ann should win “Female Vocalist of the Year,” especially since any musical project she touches, turns to gold. All five women are extremely talented. This album garners an A rating.
To learn more about the music of Sister Sadie, check out their official website and on Facebook.
