The Carper Family
Old-Fashioned Gal
Reviewed by Jim Caligiuri, Fri., June 28, 2013
The Carper Family
Old-Fashioned GalThey remain anchored in the 20th century, but the Carper Family's second effort moves away from an old-timey Andrews Sisters vibe and closer to the contemporary country of Emmylou Harris and bluegrass of Laurie Lewis. The local trio achieves this mostly through song choice, a ringing country-rock reading of Neil Young's "Comes a Time" for instance, but also with helping hands from the likes of Bill Kirchen on guitar, Brennen Leigh on mandolin, Emily Gimble on piano, and Lisa Pankratz on drums. Cindy Cashdollar, best known as steel guitarist for Asleep at the Wheel, co-produces, and her exquisite touch manifests itself throughout, particularly on the swinging "Bad Attitude" and a torchy reading of Floyd Tillman's "I Gotta Have My Baby Back." Even then, the sisterly harmonies of bassist Melissa Carper, fiddler Beth Chrisman, and guitarist Jenn Miori – recalling the Roches or the McGarrigle sisters – remain the band's awe-inspiring calling card.
