Greener Pastures
Chicken Ranch, 2023
9/10
The Atlanta residents Willie Neal and Kira Annalise, i.e. The Waymores, bring in some serious session players, including Dave Pearlman, Terry Wilson, James ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson, Phil Parlapiano and Tony Braunagel for these live 10 tracks of their timeless brand of Americana.
“Under Your Spell Again” opens the listen with Pearlman’s warm steel guitar alongside the cozy vocal harmonies of the roots flavor, and “Flashbacks Of A Fool” follows with plenty of soul amid Braunagel’s crisp drumming in the upbeat country rock.
Halfway through, the frisky, dance floor ready “Greener Pastures” showcases plenty of melody that benefits from Hutchinson’s skilled bass, and while the twinkly, aching “Don’t Worry” recruits classic country nods to the dreamy appeal.
Close to the end, the snappy, toe tappin’ “She’s Gone” carries an infectious energy, and “Tavern Time” exits with Parlapiano’s lively keys and animated rhythm section complementing Neal’s baritone and Annalise’s pretty voice.
Their most collaborative effort to date, and certainly one of their best, too, the gorgeous harmonies, sing-along choruses and meticulous instrumentation make Greener Pastures a must for fans of roots, country, folk, Americana and singer-songwriter ideas.
Travels well with: Ian Jones- Results Not Typical; Peter Case- Doctor Moan