East Kentucky Morning (Pinecastle, 1997)

Dale Ann Bradley has been the lead singer of Kentucky's all female bluegrass band, The New Coon Creek Girls, for a number of years. This, her first solo project, is a powerful and thoroughly enjoyable project produced by legendary bluegrasser, Sonny Osborne.

Both singer and producer have done a wonderful job of showcasing Bradley's immense vocal gifts. Her voice is both soothing and clear, much like that of Alison Krauss and Suzanne Cox. The instrumentation, including very tasteful dobro and fiddle lines from Gene Wooten and Randy Howard, does nothing but compliment her singing. There's nothing that is 'in your face' here. Most of the songs are slow and contemplative, including "Grandma's Gift" and the title cut, both co-written by Bradley. Bluegrass tenor Bobby Osborne joins Bradley on "The Day I Lose My Mind" and IIIrd Tyme Out's, Russell Moore provides duet vocals on the lovely, "My Conscious is Clear Tonight."

Bradley may well be the next major vocal star in bluegrass music. She is not yet a household name, but certainly deserves to be. This fine album may well be her platform.