Let Me Be Lonely
Mountain Home, 2025
8/10
The International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, Jaelee Roberts, returns with 10 new tracks, where bluegrass, classic country and old-time rock and roll ideas surround the authentic listen.
The heartfelt “Between The Two Of Us” opens with Roberts’ pretty voice alongside Andy Leftwich’s flowing mandolin, and “Love Gone Missing” follows with warm acoustic guitar and Stuart Duncan’s well timed fiddle that suit the emotive presence.
“Looking For Yourself” and “He’s Gone” arrive in the middle. The former is full of swift picking that emits a timeless bluegrass spirit, while the latter recruits many backing vocals and Ron Block’s playful banjo for the gospel spirit.
Nearing the end, “Cry In The Rain” offers an intimate moment of poetic beauty thanks to Roberts’ stirring voice, and “Heavy As A Stone In Her Heart” exits with dreaminess and eloquence amid John Gardner’s light percussion and the soft strings.
Although she’s just in her early 20’s, Roberts delivers like a seasoned vet and her backing band make for a diverse set of originals and covers that are full of heart.
Travels well with: Sister Sadie- All Will Be Well; Jaelee Roberts- Something You Didn’t Count On