Coyote Red
Madjack, 2022
8/10
Although she’s just in her mid-20s, the Arkansas native Bailey Bigger performs like a seasoned vet on this very well thought out version of Americana that’s steeped in vintage sounds but is also quite modern.
“You, Somehow” opens the listen with Bigger’s flowing pipes guiding the retro-country spirit of the very warm climate, and “No Falling Out Of Love” follows with a more bare approach of gentle, poetic beauty.
In the middle, “Wyly” is a sublime display of rural intimacy that’s just so graceful, while “Coyote Red” is a flawlessly executed album highlight of timeless and melodic roots rock.
Further down the line, “The Levee” showcases sophisticated piano alongside Bigger’s stunning pipes as her old soul is certainly present, and “Mississippi You’re On My Mind” exits the listen with soothing, folk ideas amid the cozy acoustic guitar and skilled singing.
Bigger cites influences like Joni Mitchell and John Prine, which she thankfully doesn’t try to hide, and she pulls off an incredible debut album here that’s impossible not to admire for the Americana inclined.
Travels well with: The Whitmore Sisters- Ghost Stories; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency