Anyway (Yep Roc, 2004)

Austin fiddler Amy Farris already has an impressive resume, having recorded and toured with such notables as Kelly Willis, Bruce Robison, Tish Hinojosa, Alejandro Escovedo and Ray Price. With this solo debut release Farris appears ready to step out front.

Farris is at ease with many musicals styles. "Undecided" and "Hard to Say" display a jazz influence, while "My Heart's Too Easy To Break" has a bluesy feel. "Pretty Dresses" recalls the sound of Skeeter Davis' early sixties country work, and the title track has a Leslie Gore sixties pop feel.

Farris proves to be a strong songwriter with "No Exit", "Let Go" and "Heading West" as well as on a trio of tunes co-written with producer Dave Alvin. There are also some well chosen covers including Robison's "Drivin' All Night Long" and the X tune "Poor Little Girl." This is an impressive debut effort that reveals Farris to be quite deserving of the spotlight.