Live At The Grey Eagle
Organic, 2019
10/10
Listen to Live At The Grey Eagle
Do you ever hear music so good that you’re actually embarrassed to say that you were previously unfamiliar with said greatness? That’s how I feel about this Asheville, North Carolina outfit who have been around for well over a decade now, and certainly know their way around a folk, country and Americana tune you won’t soon forget.
Recorded over 2 days in their hometown, Live At The Grey Eagle catches Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters at the height of their career, where the chemistry between the members and the strong songwriting prowess is at an all time high.
“90 Miles” gets the listen started right with warm energy and their organic beauty with gorgeous vocals from Platt, and that spirit flows well through the fuller sounds of the folk/country “Jukebox” and the Americana shuffling of “All You Ever”.
At 17 tracks there’s much to absorb here, but it’s all so well delivered and immediately memorable that Platt and company never out welcome their stay. Deeper cuts like the lush and bright singing of “Golden Child”, and the emotive “18 Wheels” help keep our attention with no problems, while “Irene” brings us into ballad territory with a rustic southern quality that’s impossible not to adore. One of the the best tracks, “The Road”, resides near the end, and brings a sparse folk moment with timeless beauty.
While I generally reserve live albums for the unwavering fan, this installment worked well as an introduction for me, making me an admirer before the first tune ended and I feel pretty confident it will have the same effect on you.
Travels well with: Balsam Range- Aeonic; Sarah Shook & The Disarmers-Years