Give A Listen: Eilen Jewell 'Sundown Over Ghost Town'

Courtesy: Amazon.com

I had never heard of Eilen Jewell until seeing her at the BBR this year, and I found myself connecting with and enjoying every song she sang, so much so that I went out and further acquainted myself with her music starting with her newest release, Sundown Over Ghost Town. Released on May 26th, the album was recorded in Jewell's native Idaho with her (simply outstanding) band which includes Jerry Miller on guitar, drummer Jason Beek (her husband) and upright bassist Johnny Sciascia. 

A singer songwriter to the core, Jewell's songs are thoughtful, personal, textured and incredibly poetic in nature. At first listen, you are drawn in by the writing, the melodies and her unique vocals; then you are held there until you listen again (and again) and discover something new with each song, every time. Those songs range from the bittersweet opening track, "Worried Mind" to the mariachi flavored "Rio Grande" to the country noir of "My Hometown." Closing track "Songbird" is a gorgeous, touching ode to a new family member, her daughter Mavis, who was born during the recording of the record. Each elegant tune can stand alone, yet together combine into something magnificent.

Sundown Over Ghost Town cannot figure squarely into one genre as it is infused with country, folk, western swing and rockabilly....but ultimately it can simply be categorized as good music. It's an album where the stories, vocals and instrumentation blend into an album that is full of heart and soul....and incredibly special. Give it a listen.

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