Shine (Ringo, 2010)

There is a mix of traditional country and rockabilly on Memphis singer/songwriter Nancy Apple's latest. Recorded over four days in the historic Sun Studio, there are nods to some of the legends who recorded there.

One of the more effective tunes is Apple's Sun Will Always Shine on which she recalls hearing the news of the death of Johnny Cash. Apple covers the Red Dirt Rangers' Elvis Loved His Mama as well as Elvis Presley's Let's Have A Party, also a hit for rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson. Her influence is apparent on other rockers such as Rockin' Granny and B.I.G.T.I.M.E..

Apple is at her best on such country ballads as the tear jerker Table For Two (Dinner For One) and an effective cover of Ronny Elliot's Creole Boy With A Spanish Guitar. Another highlight is the duet with Rob McNurlin on their collaboration Cathead Biscuits and Gravy.

With impressive musicianship and strong material this is a thoroughly enjoyable project.