Dreaming Again
Vine, 2020
8/10
The award winning bluegrass and Americana artist Lizzy Long returns with her much anticipated sophomore album, where she offers originals and covers as her fiddle prowess and strong vocal work sounds better than ever.
Long starts the listen with the elegant and soothing sounds of “Fireflies And Falling Stars” as her fluid, expressive pipes guide the country influenced opener, and the Queen tune, “Keep Yourself Alive”, follows with precise picking in the swift bluegrass, rootsy setting.
Near the middle, “Old Fashioned Heart” flows with timeless melody as Long discusses modern technology versus the pursuit of love, while “Cherry Pickin’” glides with a firm spirit where playful, dynamic musicianship aligns with Long’s forthright wordplay.
Close to the end, “Final Curtain” displays Long’s soaring pipes amid strong, rural song craft, and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”, from Phantom Of The Opera, exits with warm balladry that tugs on the heartstrings as aching strings and beautiful restraint highlight the climate.
Long is among the youngest fiddlers to be inducted into America’s Old-Time Country Hall of Fame, and it turns out she’s an equally great songwriter, too (she co-wrote 5 tunes here). An extremely soulful and versatile effort, it appears that Long is going to enjoy an esteemed career.
Travels well with: Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road- True Grass Again; The Garrett Newton Band- Bluegrass Barn