For So Long (Late Show, 2005)
Robyn Ludwick
Reviewed by Andy Turner
This is an absolutely stellar debut from a woman who comes from a Texas family with an esteemed name in country music circles: Robison. Robyn Ludwick is thelittle sister of Bruce and Charlie, who are married to Kelly Willis and the Dixie's Chicks' Emily Robison respectively. Another big name, Danny Barnes, formerly of the Bad Livers, lends a nicely low-key touch as the producer. Willis and her husband, as well as Jon Dee Graham and Champ Hood's son Warren, provide backing support.
But this is, without a doubt, Ludwick's show; she wrote all 13 songs and displays a distinctive voice, with equal parts twang, smoke and soul that will take up permanent residence in your eardrums.
While Bruce specializes in finely-tuned should-be (and sometimes are for other people) hits, and Charlie knows how to mix humor and heartbreak with the best of them, Ludwick's songs - full of emotion and guts - make their own mark. "Departing Louisiana," "Virginia" and "El Dorado" are just a few of the standouts. Ludwick delivers an accomplished effort while going beyond the call of duty in upholding the family name.
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