Cherry Blossoms In The Springtime (Doobie Shea, 1999)

With her fourth album and a new label, Jeanette Williams is proving she is ready to climb high among the bluegrass elite. Following in the footsteps of women like Alison Krauss, it's no wonder this recording offers up a sound sure to please those fans. With the aid of stalwarts such as Dan Tyminski from Krauss' band Union Station and the similar fiddle style of Aubrey Haynie, this group is a top-notch contemporary bluegrass machine.

Covering the material of Dudley Connell and Randall Hylton, her vibrant vocal style shines between fresh bluegrass numbers and some country-inspired songs such as the title cut and the beautiful "Your Last Mile." Other high points include "Careful Of My Heart" and "Break My Heart," the latter including some fine dobro from Rob Ickes as well.

Williams is truly the star here. In a genre defined and dominated by men, it is wonderful to discover a woman as true to bluegrass as Williams is here.