This live project, which includes the talents of the always great
Buddy Miller
, is an interesting reflection of an American icon. Eclectic, it is reflective of
Emmylou Harris
' excursions into areas of music beyond the
country
and
rock
spheres she has already conquered. But it is the
arena that best showcases her ever-flowering ability with a song.
"I Ain't Living Long Like This"
"Love Hurts"
stand out boldly.
"Tulsa Queen,"
a co-write with
Rodney Crowell
, is an amazing display of her vocal prowess, as is the
a cappella
"Calling My Children Home."
"Boulder to Birmingham"
is equally effective in its power and intensity, while
Jesse Winchester
's
"My Songbird"
seems to be custom-made for
Harris
. She delivers in triplicate on the
traditional
"Green Pastures."
Still, even after all these years, there is a transcendent emotional depth and connection when
performs
"Wheels,"
a song written by
Chris Hillman
' early mentor,
Gram Parsons
. Her relationship with
Parsons
is well documented, but it is best evidenced by her performances of the work he left behind, as this performance of
"Wheels"
proves. An original, she continues to conjure up interesting and diverse vocals, while giving her talented bandmembers the go-ahead to show off their skills as well. This live project is awe-inspiring, much like
herself. ~ Jana Pendragon