Claire Lynch Albums (8)
What The Critics Say
Underrated contemporary bluegrass queen Claire Lynch has been entertaining the masses since the early '80s, dabbling in Americana, country, and bluegrass with the kind of confidence that only an old soul can distribute equally. The appropriately titled Crowd Favorites collects ten Lynch classics culled from her five studio recordings for Rounder and four new versions of fan favorites, "Day That Lester Died," "Hills of Alabam," "Kennesaw Line," and "Wabash Cannonball." The latter three appeared in their original forms on the Front Porch String Band's Lines & Traces and its' eponymous follow-up, while "Lester" appeared on Mark Newton's Follow Me Back to the Fold album in 2000. Whether or not they needed to be remade is debatable, as these new versions don't stray enough from the originals to warrant any griping and may be the result of a contractual situation. That said, they sit nicely among Lynch classics like "Train Long Gone," "If Wishes Were Horses," and "Friends for a Lifetime." Fans of country greats like Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Loretta Lynn: this is a great place to start. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Claire Lynch is blessed with sort of voice that's practically perfect for bluegrass -- high and clear, but with enough force to express a wealth of emotion and a sense of drama that never overplays its hand or feels like grand-standing. Lynch's admirable willingness to put her personal life and the needs of her family ahead of her career, however, means she doesn't get into the studio as often as some of her peers, and 2006's New Day is the first new music from Lynch since Lovelight in 2000. However, fans will certainly feel this album was worth the wait. New Day matches Lynch with a core of fine pickers -- including David Harvey on mandolin, Missy Raines on bass, and Jim Hurst on guitar -- and some great guest musicians, including Alison Brown and Stuart Duncan, who can turn up the heat on up-tempo numbers like "Leavin' on That Evening Train" while sounding spare and subtle on "Long After I'm Gone." Lynch produced the set, and chose some superb songs for herself (and wrote three of them herself) while keeping the arrangements and audio simple and uncluttered. But Lynch is the real star of this show, and while never betraying her essential modesty, New Day is a lovely showcase for her gorgeous vocal instrument. She can summon up the spiritual mysteries of "Only Passing Through" and "I Believe in Forever" as easily as sharing the girlish joy of "Fallin' in Love," and every note she sings on this disc sounds lovely, honest, and from the heart. A new album from Claire Lynch is always a gift, and New Day is one present sure to put a smile on your face. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
'Out in the Country'
Release Date 1/30/2001
Tracks 11
Label Copper Creek
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
In the early '80s, bluegrass singer Claire Lynch was invited to make a country album, resulting in Out in the Country. Issued by a small label, the album has been out of print for some time. Now Lynch's fans and country music fans are in for a pleasant surprise; thanks to Copper Creek, this wonderful album is once again available. While Lynch wasn't completely satisfied with the production of the album, nor with all of the song choices, it is doubtful that listeners will have any such qualms. The album kicks off with "I Can't Get You Off of My Mind," a nice piece of Western swing with some great steel guitar work by Mike Auldridge. The mostly acoustic "I'll Never Grow Tired of You" is a lovely waltz that gives Lynch's emotive vocals a chance to stretch out. On a number of songs she is joined on vocals by John Starling and Kostas, adding depth and diversity to the music. Lynch's liner notes give the impression that the project was sort of thrown together; maybe so, but the results work. There are also excellent versions of "He Rode All the Way to Texas" and Loggins & Messina's "Listen to a Country Song." At 33 minutes, the album may seem a little short, but one has to take into consideration that this album was originally released in 1982, before CDs made the 74-minute album compulsory. Out in the Country is excellent country music, but unfortunately the kind that is seldom played on radio stations. For Lynch fans, and for those tired of waiting for real country music on the local radio station, this album shouldn't be missed. ~ Ronnie Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Claire Lynch's new album is a rare bird indeed. At one point, albums like this weren't the exception, but the rule. Twelve exquisitely written, carefully produced songs that bound along at a pace appropriate for their subject matter: life, love, and the conviction to get on with both. Only one song nudges the four-minute mark, and rightfully so. This may seem like a niggling observation unless you listen to a lot of singer/songwriter albums. Attention alt-country artists. All too often, brevity is indeed the soul of wit. Lynch, thank God, understands this. There's not an ounce of fat here. Each song is a perfect country capsule. She grasps that her struggles and foibles are hers alone and don't necessarily have universal significance. Her songwriting is mature and wonderfully, almost clandestinely sardonic. Check "Stranger Things Have Happened" for a perfect example. Lynch's intellect is sharp and encompassing. Patty Hearst gets a name drop here, and the fierce battle for Gettysburg's Missionary Ridge also swipes a tangential nod in the eponymously named song. Her voice is a pure, flexible joy, her choice of instrumentation spot on. This is a worthy chapter in the book that represents this woman's remarkable career. Think of Dolly Parton without the saccharine missteps or pandering, or Emmy Lou Harris if she actually was the songwriter everyone secretly hopes she is. This is a wonderful draught of cold, clear water. One only hopes there's a market for this stuff. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Music Guide
'Friends for a Lifetime'
Release Date 1/1/1993
Tracks 13
Label Brentwood Bluegrass
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