May 18, 2015

For Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, a Strong Round 2

David McClister

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Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
The Traveling Kind
Nonesuch
If only Hollywood sequels were this good. Following Old Yellow Moon, their captivating 2013 collaboration, rootsy stalwarts Emmylou and Rodney have recombined for another go-round, which may be even more entertaining than its predecessor. The two first crossed paths professionally 40 (!) years ago, when Crowell joined Harris’ band. Their recent work together has underscored the virtues of experience and, yes, age. No longer needing to prove anything, both seem as loose and confident as they’ve ever been, delivering heartrending tunes like “You Can’t Say We Didn’t Try” with the simple, sure-handed eloquence that marked the Everly Brothers’ best, and rockin’ out in fine style on the rollicking “Bring It on Home to Memphis.” Harris’ still-beautiful voice has acquired a darker, slightly rougher texture that adds authority, while the weathered grace of Crowell’s singing makes him a perfect match. A fine job by all concerned, including the stellar players.

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Readers also told us to just give it to you straight when we need to ask for your support, and seeing how matter-of-factly explaining our inner workings, our challenges and finances, can bring more of you in has been a real silver lining. So our online membership lead, Brian, lays it all out for you in his personal, insider account (that literally puts his skin in the game!) of how urgent things are right now.

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