Sister
Blue Note, 2020
8/10
An all star trio consisting of Norah Jones, Catherine Popper, and Sasha Dobson, Puss N Boots return with a sophomore album where originals and covers flow cohesively as they each take turns on vocals and rotate guitar, bass and drums, too.
“Jamola” starts the album with warm guitar work as the tune builds into a percussively strong and wordless vocal setting, and “It’s Not Easy” follows with a slow burning melody as soulful vocals from Jones highlight the agile setting.
Further along, “You And Me” showcases all 3 voices in rich and elegant atmosphere, while “You Don’t Know”, a Dobson original, moves with a bare appeal as spirited guitar accompanies the expressive singing. “It’s A Wonderful Lie”, a Paul Westerberg tune and one of the record’s best, glides with a folksy shuffle as the organic instrumentation unfolds with a smooth, timeless delivery.
Deeper cuts brings us the playful, surf friendly “Sister”, the country sounds of Tom Petty’s “Angel Dream” with Jones at the helm, and the lush version of Concrete Blonde’s classic “Joey”. “The Grass Is Blue” ends the listen emotive and engaging as the women do the Dolly Parton tune justice.
A overall sparse recording that’s heavy on balladry, while the musicianship complements the scene well, the harmonizing vocals steal the show on this impressive 2nd effort.
Travels well with: Kacy & Clayton- Carrying On; Buddy & Julie Miller- Breakdown On 20th Ave. South