Search - Becky Schlegel :: Drifter Like Me

Sweet High Lonesome

David T. Steere, Jr. | Annapolis, MD United States | 05/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The high and sweet-voiced bluegrass singer from Minnesota is back with another lovely album, DRIFTER LIKE ME. She appears to still be searching for a stable group of musicians to support her poignant style of high lonesome singing-only one of her players (Gordon Johnson on bass) appeared on her fine 2002 effort, RED LEAF. She's an interesting mix of indie-style songwriter and bluegrass composer. She appears to be influenced by Alison Krauss-as many are these days-and sings with great style and sophistication. Talented musicians here include Brian Fester (banjo and guitar), Clay Hess and Richard Nunneley (mandolin) and Becky herself (guitar). The banjo is a return to the sound of her first album: Becky Schlegel and True Blue's THIS LONESOME SONG. Interestingly, RED LEAF had no banjo player and there is no fiddle on any of her albums. While her players are not as awesomely talented as those in Union Station, Becky's effort has a distinct and personal feel due, perhaps, to her having written every song. Notable among the fine songs here are "Windmill"-a sort of celtic/bluegrass combination-and "No Angel" with an amazing guitar/vocal duet. One additional small point-Becky's song here, "Tell Me Now"," is entirely different than her "Tell Me Now" which appears on RED LEAF. Same title-two different Becky Schlegel compositions."

A fan

Soujourner Truth | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 08/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I just saw Becky, Gordon Johnson, Brian Fesler, and Susan Christianson play live. Amazingly this CD does not quite capture Becky live. Becky and her band are truly talented. I like this CD, Drifter Like Me, California Night, and Cheyenne are great songs on the CD. They have a bluegrass feel and have beautiful harmonies."