An array of stars queue up to help acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist, Molly Tuttle, out on her latest record ‘Crooked Tree’. The album was co-produced with Jerry Douglas whilst the likes of Billy Strings, Margo Price and Old Crow Medicine Show join her to help bring these songs to life. This record is one of her best to date as she meanders through the world of bluegrass. Her songwriting is refined and whilst it stays true to the genre, it also pushes the boundaries. My favourite on the record is ‘Flatland Girl’ which she performs with Margo Price. The pair’s voices seamlessly blending together. Meanwhile, the title track allows Tuttle’s voice to come into it’s own on the chorus. The level of musicianship cannot be questioned with a line up such as this but it may be one of the most cohesive recordings as the complexx arrangements compliment each other without getting in each others way. Though the focuss may seem to lie with the musicians in some ways, Tuttle’s storytelling lyricism shines on songs like ‘She’ll Change’ and ‘Goodbye Girl’. The mood shift in ‘Castilleja’ is appreciated as the intensity builds. To conclude, there is nothing not to like about this album. Music fans can just sit in awe as they admire the quality of every aspect from the songwriting to the production.
