She just keeps getting better... Superbly crafted and emotionally evocative folk in the Colvin/Griffith tradition make this quickly up-and-coming artist's 1996 release one to put next to the flour and eggs on your list of staples. There's something for practically everyone. The sharp edges of her song Scorpion (with vocal harmonies by The Story's Jennifer Kimball) prick and draw a little blood. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding takes the angst-rock vibe of Elvis Costello's classic treatment and paints it a bluegrass ditty! The harrowing Richard Thompson's Don't Renege On Our Love contrasts with the sweet mandolin-infused traditional tune, Mary and the Soldier. Folk legend John Gorka, a fiddle and a steel guitar add the right amount of twang to Gram Parson's The Return of the Grievous Angel.

Kaplansky,Lucy