"O Sister!" A Women's Bluegrass Collection Vol 2 - 2002

In the wake of the success of O Sister in 2001, the Rounder label wisely decided to follow it up with another collection of bluegrass songs, old and new, performed by female singers and instrumentalists. Though the sound of hard-edged and high-pitched men's voices has almost defined bluegrass music from the beginning, women have made significant contributions as well, though those contributions have not always gotten the recognition they deserved. O Sister 2: A Woman's Bluegrass Collection continues the project of rectifying that oversight, and does so quite nicely by showcasing performances by relative unknowns like Carol Elizabeth Jones and Alecia McKnight alongside such usual suspects as Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Lynn Morris, and the inevitable Alison Krauss. Stylistically, this second collection ranges a bit further afield than the first one did; alongside strictly traditional material like "Poor Ellen Smith" (sung with reedy power by the gracefully aging Ola Belle Reed) and the Jimmy Martin classic "Pretending I Don't Care" (performed here by Rhonda Vincent), there are more pop-flavored delights, such as Carol Elizabeth Jones' sweetly tuneful original song "Someday" and even a downright avant-garde contribution from the Wayfaring Strangers, whose "Memories of You" features a klezmer clarinet. (Allmusic)For many years, bluegrass (like many other genres of music) was almost a male preserve. It took longer for the ladies to break through in bluegrass than elsewhere, but this collection and others like it prove that they are well capable of competing with the men, who continue to make great bluegrass.
This Rounder compilation is targetted at those who are new to bluegrass, but will also appeal to committed fans. Extensive liner notes give biographical summaries of the singers, also including a list of albums by the individuals for those who wish to explore further (and who wouldn't, after hearing this collection?). Actually, this list may cause problems outside America - this album is available in other countries (including the UK) where most of the listed albums are not available except through specialist dealers or Amazon.
All the great ladies of bluegrass are represented, including Claire Lynch, Rhonda Vincent, Laurie Lewis and Lynn Morris. Alison Krauss and Suzanne Cox close the set with the excellent Jewels. Hazel Dickens makes four appearances - one solo and three duets - with Alice Gerrard, Ginny Hawker and Phyllis Boyens.
The big surprise for me (and what a pleasure to hear !!!!) is the inclusion of Jeannie Kendall, on I wonder where you are tonight, from her new Rounder album (not released at the time of this review, but eagerly awaited). Jeannie used to be lead singer of the Kendalls with her father providing harmonies. Remember Heaven's just a sin away (from 1979)? Jeannie sounds as good as ever, and it's good to have her back.
It is a great companion to the previous O Sister compilation on Rounder, or the British double-CD on WEA (O sister where art thou - look out for my review of that), but this is a fine introduction to bluegrass in it's own right. Even if (like me), you've already got some of these tracks, you'll find the others well worth a listen. - Peter Durward Harristrax:

1. Tall Pines - Laurie Lewis 2. It Rains Everywhere I Go - Lynn Morris 3. I'll Stay Around - Alecia McRight 4. I Wonder Where You Are Tonight - Jeannie Kendall 5. Leaving The Land - Suzanne Thomas 6. Pretending I Don't Care - Rhonda Vincent 7. Don't Neglect The Rose - Ginny Hawker 8. Love Me Or Leave Me Alone - Hazel Dickens, Carol Elizabeth Jones & Ginny Hawker 9. Hideaway - Laurie Lewis & Kathy Kallick 10. Who's Crying For You Now - The Steven's Sisters 11. Reason Enough - Tanya Savory 12. Hey Lonesome - Claire Lynch 13. Someday - Jones & Leva 14. Montana Cowboy - Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard 15. High On A Mountain - Ola Belle Reed 16. Poor Ellen Smith - Wilma Lee Cooper 17. Times Are Not What They Used To Be - Hazel Dickens, Carol Elizabeth Jones & Ginny Hawker 18. Dreams Of A Miner's Child - Phillis Boyens & Hazel Dickens 19. Memories Of You - Wayfaring Strangers 20. Willow - Mac Benford & The Woodshed All-Stars 21. Jewels - Alison Krauss & The Cox Family

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