Alela Diane - To Be Still













If you are a fan of the female folk/country movement that has had a resurgence as of late (think Joanna Newsom or Marisa Nadler), then this should be on the top of your list. Alela follows up her 2006 album `The Pirate`s Gospel ` with the equally compelling `To Be Still`. This bluegrass (with a hint of Irish flavor) tinged folk sound fits Alela`s voice like a glove and allows her to take the listener on a mellow yet soulful journey through her thoughts.

`Age Old Blues` uses Michael Hurley`s backing vocal to help Alela create melodies that have a very intimate feel, while tracks like `To Be Still` and `Take Us Back` let her voice do all the work. `My Brambles`, vocally, sounds like something Sinead O`connor could have made as Alela uses that familiar Celtic inflection with her voice to asks "Please come gather me, my darling." My favorite tracks,` Every Path` (which uses wonderful harmonies to explain that `Every path has lead me back to you.") and `Lady Divine`, both use a hypnotic mandolin to help compliment Alela`s beautiful voice.

I loved `The Pirate`s Gospel` but it (mainly just using her voice and guitar) was a more "campfire" sounding affair. The addition of the steel guitar, violin, banjo, mandolin and drums help give the album a richer sound and add a fullness that her first release lacked. Some of her fans may not like the addition of all the other instruments but, if they can get past that, they are in for a very sweet and uplifting emotional ride.

8 out of 10


Alela Diane Myspace!

Alela Diane Website!



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