Fanny Grace – Rise and Shine / 2008 Self / 14 Tracks / http://www.fannygrace.com /
This Oklahoma act has shared the stage with luminaries as well-known as Merle Haggard, and even a cursory glance at “Rise and Shine†will show listeners why they were tapped for that honor. The band has been recognized before – they have won KZLA’s songwriting contest, and have played with other country stars – Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney – as well. “Rise and Shine†is Fanny Grace’s latest album – their follow-up to 2005’s “321 Broadway†– and features the unrivaled production skills of John Carter Cash. Fanny Grace are so well thought-of, in fact, that they were given permission to cover the rarely-heard Johnny Cash track “Cowboy’s Last Rideâ€. The aforementioned “Cowboy’s Last Ride†is a track that inserts a little bit of Spanish flair through the guitars; it provides a little bit extra to the periphery of the track, highlighting the vocals that much more. The title track to “Rise and Shine†starts with a soulful set of vocals that come forth from an earlier country tradition, as well as catering to a bluegrass influences. The fact that Fanny Grace plays an earlier version of country should not turn individuals away from the act. Rather, their contemporary interpretation of time-tested and true musical style should be seen as something to follow.
“Rise and Shine†is a very dense type of track – while the vocals soar above the instrumentation at all points during this track, Fanny Grace’s instrumentation weave together to make a composition that individuals will have to unravel through continual listening. The track that ends “Rise and Shine†is “The Storms Are On The Oceanâ€, and Fanny Grace smartly place this track at the end of the disc, for it has a classic, almost Irish type of sound to it.
Fanny Grace can even insert some rock influence into their album; the opening to “Till The Wheels Fall Off†starts out with an reinterpretation of the Doobie Brothers’ “Black Waterâ€, before moving into a new and unique track. The subtle, quiet composition acts as the perfect ending to a solid disc, winking into nothingness as Fanny Grace end what is a solid album throughout. Fanny Grace have been around in one form or another for over thirteen years (their first album, “Joy Rideâ€, was released in 1995), and they have been able to evolve and craft their distinct sound considerably from then until now.
Top Tracks: Choose To Win, Get Along
Rating: 7.0/10