Lift Up This Old World
Adhyâropa, 2025
9/10
Listen to Lift Up This Old World
A very raw and forthright effort from the Brooklyn artist Hilary Hawke, the 11 songs present explore bluegrass and Old Time sounds with some excellent guests in attendance.
Hawke’s swift banjo opens the rich “Liza Jane”, where Camie Howes’ lively fiddle adds much to the organic spirit, and “All I’ve Ever Known” follows with Jacob Joliff’s colorful mandolin and Ross Martin’s warm guitar complementing Hawke’s flowing voice.
Moving into the middle, “Never Take Me With You When You Leave” benefits from Ruth Merenda’s harmonies that suits the rich bluegrass, while “NYC Waltz” places Bobby Hawke on fiddle via the intimate mood of beauty and poeticism.
Closer to the end, Brian Gellner’s strategic drums and Hawkes’ clarinet and emotive singing makes for a very unique version of the Radiohead classic,”No Surprises”, and “Dreaming Of You” recruits Dana Lyn’s violin/viola, Leah Coloff’s cello and Tristan Kasten-Krause’s bass that help cultivate much dreaminess and grace.
The very eloquent listen explores self-belief, resilience and heartbreak, where every moment is sincere, stirring and inspiring, and will appeal to fans of Nickel Creek or Gillian Welch.
Travels well with: Anna & Elizabeth- Anna & Elizabeth; Ezra- Froggy’s Demise