Brought to You Via (Star Tone, 2006)

Cari Lee Merritt changes up her style with a touch of jazz and a familiar sounding new vocal partner. Recorded in Texas, the 15-song set features welcome additions from producer Billy Horton�s crack studio band, but it is the singer�s own vocal personality that shines.

Merritt still tackles western swing (�I�m Hoping That You�re Hoping�) as if she were one of the genre�s pioneers and makes traditional honky-tonk (�Did You Ever Come Home�) wring with feeling. Further, she has fashioned a tougher rockabilly sound (�It�s Alright By Me�), allowing some Buddy Holly influences to peek through (�Keep Me Company�)

Surprisingly, Danny Santos appears frequently on duets (�Are You Lonesome�) and solo numbers (�Heaven Only Knows�). Indeed, the Big Sandy sound-a-like enjoys an appealing, flirty chemistry with the CD�s star. (�Nine Little Kisses�). Yet, it is Merritt�s willingness to throw herself into a particular song�s era that gives the album substance.

Adopting the persona of a �40's big band singer, the California-based singer-songwriter brings an aching, yet chipper feel to sock-rhythm shuffles (�Throw a Little Wood on the Fire�) and cheek-to-cheek ditties (�When Your Way Gets Dark�). Moreover, when she coyly croons a love song (�Life is Sweet�), Merritt is utterly seductive. (Box 795, Alameda, Ca 94501)