CD Review: American Folk Songbook (2011) by Suzy Bogguss

Accompanied by a hardcover 96-page book that provides illustrations and contextual information on its 17 tracks, Suzy Bogguss’s superb new album comprises a selection of classic American folk songs. The project was inspired by Bogguss’s sense of younger audience’s disconnect from the songs of tradition. In concept, the album suggests a companion piece to Bruce Springsteen’s We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions and unsurprisingly there’s some overlap in the choice of material. But Bogguss’s intimate, lower-keyed approach here contrasts with the more rambunctious stylings of Springsteen and his crew. In great, expressive voice, and backed by an excellent group of Nashville’s finest including Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, and Pat Bergeson, Bogguss digs deeply into the material by treating each song as a personal story, with wider resonances. Highlights include the brisk opening take on “Shady Grove,” a stunning “Shenandoah,” which scales Emmylou-worthy heights of loss and longing, a haunting “Red River Valley,” and an achingly tender “All The Pretty Little Horses,” while the lighter, more playful moments are also nicely achieved. A warm and beautiful record; highly recommended.

Reviewed for PopMatters.