Here we have the ninth in what is surely one of the most important and essential series of albums being released in regards to country, American folk and bluegrass. Recording beneath the magnolia tree in the rear garden this time around we have Austin Stambaugh who looks about 15 in his photos, is probably in his 20’s, sounds like he is approaching 40 and sings songs where it appears he must be at least 70. He is world weary, full of emotion, as he laments the world and his place in it. With just a gently picked guitar for accompaniment he tells his stories and brings us into a world few of us have experienced. By now Dan Emery has his craft off to a fine art and captures the musician singing at night to the darkness, with just a microphone and his tales for company.

He slides his vocals a great deal, often pitching low and moving up to the note, which gives his songs a peculiar style, incredibly emotional as it appears he is in such pain that he cannot sing any differently and it really draws in the listener. It is heartfelt, with Austin baring his soul and laying out his suffering for all to see as we feel his hurt and react to it. The result is a recording which is incredibly powerful, connecting deeply on an emotional level as well as a musical one. This is yet another important release in the series, all of which are truly essential.

Rating: 9/10

Links:
https://www.austinstambaugh.com
https://anticorporatemusic.com