Not What I Expected, but...
I was first exposed to Annabelle as a part of the Wailin' Jennies, who appeared at this years Lotus Festival in Bloomington, IN (a must do festival for any world music fan!) She REALLY impressed me with her multi-instrumental abilities. On acoustic guitar, I had thoughts of Richard Thompson - yeah, she's that good - and she is more than capable on Mando and Fiddle. It was a warm, complex, beautiful sound. Not that this album isn't, but it certainly isn't the Jennies. These songs are edgier and more contemporary and lack the warmth of three women in perfect harmony. Not that that is a bad thing, it just wasn't what I expected. The songs are very well written and have a raw emotion to them, and her vocal performances match the themes of the song-writing. I enjoyed them. I only wish she would have flexed her instrumental muscles more. She is a world-class guitarist and I would have like to hear more of her playing come out. Just my preference.
