Bloom, Red & the Ordinary Girl (Yep Roc, 2006)

Caitlin Cary might be the most underappreciated asset in the scope of Americana music. She's perhaps best-known at the glue that held together Whiskeytown - both emotionally and artistically - and often her voice and fiddle were what made its music soar. Last year, she and Thad Cockrell released "Begonias," one of the most stunning acoustic albums to hit shelves in years.

Now this. Cary returns with Tonya Lamm (formerly of Hazeldine) and Lynn Blakey (Glory Fountain) as Tres Chicas to deliver another success. In this sophomore effort, few tracks stand out above the rest, but that's the charm. All songs are keenly penned and flow so naturally that the entire album plays out as a single, cohesive artistic statement.

In fact, it's staggering to consider that this is merely a side project for all three women. Their voices blend as seamlessly as three sisters who have been singing together since elementary school. From the opening "Drop Me Down," a tune that shows the women at their soulful best, to the closing "If You Think That's All Right," which waltzes joyously into the sunset, this announces the alt.-country super group of 2006. Motown had the Supremes; Tres Chicas are Americana's answer.