Good Farmer
Gypsy Shuffle, 2019
9/10
A husband and wife duo, Adam and Chris Carroll have been performing together for years now, and this record illustrates their chemistry and strong songwriting prowess quite well while also capturing their gritty and lovely live sound.
“Hi-Fi Love” starts with acoustic guitar and sweet, booming vocals from Chris and Adam’s mix of singing/talking which complements the folk song well, and “City By The Sea” follows with a breezy Americana feel as Chris takes the lead on vocals.
At the middle, “Tough As Nails” unfolds with a mountain-esque setting of warm organic sounds, while “Louise” is a stripped back duet of sublime beauty.
Near the end, “Love You Already” finds the pair channeling the greatness achieved by Emmylou Harris, and the harmonica friendly “Ocean Of Peace” settles into one of the best tunes present. “Take Me Away” ends the listen with strings and raw, beautiful Americana with both voices harmonizing just perfectly.
Though the Carroll’s are front and center here, Dennis Ludiker handles fiddle and Lloyd Maines offers pedal steel, ukulele, and others, and together the ensemble mesh strong southern sounds and gorgeous acoustic Americana that their unwavering fans have been clamoring for for years now.
And they sure are going to be impressed with this playful and authentic masterpiece.
Travels well with: Justin Townes Earle- The Saint Of Lost Causes; Steve Earle- Guy