Virginian singer/songwriter Devon Sproule is one of a young group of US artists who create music with a direct link to American song traditions; Devon, alongside contemporaries Rachel Ries and Erin McKeown produce modern songs but with a traditional American feel - in this instance we see Sproule taking Appalachian, folk and swing and melding them to present a disc with a timeless feel but full of contemporary writing.
Most of the songs on 'Keep Your Silver Shined' have a distinct, almost domestic lyrical feel and in general they focus on family and relationships; Devon 's poetic songwriting ability combine with her relaxed and intimate vocals to present an atmosphere that is warm and pulls the listener in the song.
This combination of the warmth, the lyrical focus and the relaxed delivery gives the album a memorable connection with the listener; it's an intimate disc and at times it really feels like you could be listening to the songs live, in a low-key relaxed show.
The musicians involved are all first-rate and include husband Paul Curreri's various guitars to support Devon 's acoustic guitar and distinctive vocals; elsewhere there's a traditional range of backing including bass, percussion accordion and mandolin, with Mary Chapin-Carpenter guesting on backing vocals.
Like the her immediate contemporaries Ries and McKeown, the material on 'Keep Your Silver Shined' has an immediacy that comes from our familiarity with the traditional aspects of music, but there's more enough modern influences and songwriting ability to raise this from just another 'traditional influenced' album and make it into a memorable and distinct piece of work.
A little off the beaten track it may be, but this is a disc the rewards and repays the adventurous listener.

Track listing
1 Old Virginia Block
2 Keep Your Silver Shined
3 1340 Chesapeake Street
4 Let's Go Out
5 The Well-Dressed Son to his Sweetheart
6 Eloise & Alexi
7 Does the Day Feel Long?
8 Dress Sharp, Play Well, Be Modest
9 Stop by Anytime
10 The Weeping Well

£12.99