Always Will Be
Queen Of The Castle Records/Missing Piece, 2025
9/10
The actress Amy Irving fleshes out songs by her pal, Willie Nelson, where plenty of guests help illuminate the emotive landscape.
The soulful and harmonic “It’s A Dream Come True” opens with Lizzie No’s expressive pipes drawing us in, and “Yesterday’s Wine” follows with Goolis’ frisky voice complementing the playful and bright climate.
Landing in the middle, the brisk pace of the scrappy“If You Want Me To Love You I Will” brings a blast of alt-rock, while Steve Earle’s gritty presence joins in for the intimate “I Wish I Didn’t Love You So”, which is a cozy moment that’s piano driven.
Landing close to the end, “Always Will Be” enlists Amy Helm’s pretty and heartfelt folk ideas to the melodic delivery, and Nelson himself is in attendance for the last tune, “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground”, where strings, brass and much elegance surround the dreamy and emotive finish.
A very diverse sophomore album with incredible musicianship, Irving puts an inimitable spin on some already great songs, and it makes for a record with something for everyone.
Travels well with: Hannah Gill- Spooky Jazz Vol. 2; Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia