She’s a little bit alternative country and a little bit blue-eyed soul. Singer-songwriter Tift Merritt’s sophomore album is a mix of guitar rockers, thoughtful ballads and soulful horn-driven soul songs. Producer George Drakoulis, whose work has benefited the likes of the Jayhawks, Black Crowes and Maria McKee lends an organic, live-in-the-studio feel to this rootsy and soulful collection of tunes which – coincidentally - features guest appearances from members of the Jayhawks, Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, pedal steel whiz Robert Randolph and Maria McKee herself.
But the studio stars don’t outshine Tift - her songs and her confident, beautiful vocals. On Tambourine, Ms. Merritt stunningly combines her soul, country and rock ‘n roll sounds with intense, sensual and confident performances. Songs like the punchy “U-Turn,” the gospel flavored “Shadow In The Way,” the Dusty Springfield meets Al Green-styled soul of “Good Hearted Man,” make Tambourine a great listen.
Written by Bruce Warren
Release Date: 8/24/2004
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