Music review: Alison Krauss – ‘Windy City’
The retro styling of Alison Krauss’ outfit highlighted on the cover of her latest album provides an early hint as to what is in store on “Windy City.”
The bluegrass-country starĢƵ first solo release since 1999 features Krauss infusing her lush soprano to an engaging cover collection of classic country arrangements.
A remake of Brenda LeeĢƵ “Losing You” serves as the hypnotic album opener and sets the stage for the upcoming tracks of heartache and sadness.
“ItĢƵ Goodbye and So Long to You” follows with a sassiness that finds Krauss confidently closing the door on a bad relationship.
The title track possesses the allure and temptation that the big city has to offer a small-town visitor as Krauss desperately pleads for the city to release the grip it has on her lover.
For me, the highlight of the set comes on the stunning performance of Roger MillerĢƵ “River in the Rain.” Krauss’ voice is both gentle and focused on this passionate number originally written for the 1985 Broadway musical “Big River.”
The Glen Campbell staple “Gentle on My Mind” has always been a country favorite of mine and Krauss’ take is comforting and nostalgic.
The 45-year-old singerĢƵ version of Brenda LeeĢƵ “All Alone Am I” is simply breathtaking as Krauss’ voice portrays a fragile vulnerability created from a heart that has been broken and abandoned.
Krauss also nails the emotional messages conveyed on Willie NelsonĢƵ “I Never Cared for You” and the Vern Gosdin hit “Dream of Me.”
The Elmer Laird penned “Poison Love” features backing vocals by Dan Tyminski and Jamey Johnson.
The Eddy Arnold and Ray Charles track “You Don’t Know Me” closes the set by getting a tender makeover by Krauss as she softly serenades about lost love.
Krauss’ voice is spectacular throughout the album. Her angelic voice mesmerizes as it tenderly caresses each word of every lyric.
“Windy City” is vintage country and classic Krauss.