In the past few years some of the most exciting discs we’ve carried have come from young American string bands with The Duhks and Crooked Still being the very best around – and you can add Alaska-based Bearfoot to that list.
Their youthful and energetic approach to bluegrass/Americana has won them many fans across the North American festival circuit, and seen them signed to well-regarded Compass Records for this breakthrough album.
The combination of three females and two males make them an unusual band, but the instrumentation is as traditional as you could wish with fiddles, guitar, mandolin and acoustic bass creating a time tested, tried and true sound. The difference comes from the soaring harmonies provided by the entire band, and the stunning lead vocals from Odessa Jorgensen.
Winners of the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Band award (previous winners include Nickel Creek and Dixie Chicks), the band are stunning musicians and the mixture of vocals with romping bluegrass backing is utterly compelling.
The album of 11 varied songs is real joy from start to finish, the tracks are mainly composed by the band but throw in a couple of covers, including a memorable reading of John Hiatt’s ‘Before I Go’, and the one traditional song is a great version of ‘Single Girl’.
The presentation of the band and the packaging is perfect, and more importantly the quality of the album is first rate, and this young Alaskan 5-piece look set to make a real mark in 2009 and beyond. Unreservedly recommended.
Track listing
1 Oh My Love
2 Single Girl
3 Heaven
4 Doors and Windows
5 Before I Go
6 Caroline
7 Don't Let Me Down
8 My One True Love
9 Time Is No Medicine
10 Northward Bound
11 Good in the Kitchen
