Nora Jane Struthers’ third album, Wake, continues to stray from her bluegrass roots to a more roots rock oriented blend of country, blues, and honky tonk. On this follow-up to the 2013 critically-acclaimed release “Carnival”, Struthers’ songwriting skills continue to progress and expand, with her either writing or co-writing the collection of love songs. With Struthers is her talented band The Party Line, featuring Joe Overton (banjo, fiddle), Drew Lawhorn (drums), Brian Duncan Miller (upright bass) and Joshua Vana (guitar). Standouts include on Wake include: the hard-rocking “Let Go”; the upbeat “Dreamin’”; “The Other Side” with guest banjo by Rob McCoury (The Del McCoury Band); and the romantic “Lovin’ You.” I like the more loose and carefree side of Struthers – it sounds as if she is having loads of fun, enjoying life and making music. Catch her contagious enthusiasm and joy by giving Wake a good listen. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | The Del McCoury Band, JD McPherson, Eilen Jewell, Nathan