Something You Didn’t Count On
Mountain Home, 2022
8/10
Listen to Something You Didn’t Count On
The debut solo album on the Moutain Home label for Jaelee Roberts, the versatile artist brings along Kristin Scott Benson (banjo), Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle), Kenny & Amanda Smith and even a vocal cameo from Vince Gill for the bluegrass focused affair.
Roberts puts the title track in the lead off position, where speedy banjo and emotive fiddle complement her expressive, pretty pipes, and “Think Again” follows with a calmer pace of sublime, stirring song craft that’s heartfelt and poetic.
At the halfway point, “The Best Of Me” showcases Roberts’ impressive range in the soaring bluegrass climate, while “November” displays intricate and harmonic mountain-esque songwriting that’s got some country leanings to it.
Moving towards the end, “Still Waters” recruits soothing vocal harmonies and warm gospel nods into the album’s best selection, and “Luxury Liner” finishes the album swift, dynamic and full of timeless and memorable songwriting.
You may recognize Roberts from her singing and lead guitar work in Sister Sadie, and you might say that she was born to play music since her father is Danny Roberts of The Grascals fame. She certainly proves that a successful solo career is on the horizon with these well thought out 12 tracks.
Travels well with: Tray Wellington- Black Banjo; The Grascals- Up All Night