Rosie Daze Band – Nobody Here But Us
On first listen, I’m impressed immediately with the musical energy, enthusiasm & drive that encapsulates “Keep It Clean.” I am a little disappointed with the production quality, though. It’s a little muddy on this song & the band deserves better sonics. The vocals & instrumentation have their dynamic, & fortunately, that element comes through. It’s not a one-shot deal either because on track 2, “Poor Billy,” the band continues with a richly genuine backwoods vocal — true to its tradition.
These ladies lay down an authentic foundation & dazzle it with their picking & homegrown vocals & harmonies. The arrangement in their showcase is also admirable. But they need to be captured with a higher-octane presence in the studio. Oh, they shouldn’t be faulted by this detail; this has happened to the best of artists.
9 pieces confirm that there’s Nobody Here But Us (Drops May 16/Minnehaha Recording Co/28:28) produced by Tony Williamson & recorded in Minneapolis, MN. Curiously, “Operator Blues” & “Country Joe” have more color. But “Operator” is mired in a 78-rpm era style that may have been what they intended. Maybe a few more hits by me on the Mountain Dew jug & this one will settle into my toe tapping. The vocalist has a quirky Iris De Ment tone, but the backup singing is what sizzles in this folky & perky tune. “Cowboy Joe” & its fiddling — perfect.
It’s a sure thing that the late banjo & fiddle master John Hartford would’ve appreciated the music of the Rosie Daze Band. He would’ve been an ideal producer choice, too. Surprisingly, the group is from Minneapolis, though they’re sincerely wrapped up in some wonderful Appalachian bluegrass, country, old-time music & folk. With this, their sophomore album, their harmonies are honey smooth. It’s original music that sounds like it was composed back during the era of the Carter Family. Excellent, consistent musicianship is evident.
They could use some darker tunes to balance their upbeat showcase because their rural, distinctive voices have that Depression-era quality.
A picture of the band would’ve been a better choice of CD cover art (not available at press time) than a bunch of chickens. The musicians look like they have a good time playing together & that translates to a buyer’s choice.
Highlights – “Keep It Clean,” “Poor Billy,” “Operator Blues,” “Cowboy Joe,” “So Lonely,” & “Solid Ground.”
Musicians – Jeanne Marti (mandolin/vocals), Julie Kittleson (upright bass), Johanna Lawrence (fiddle/vocals), Elisabeth “Beth” Young (banjo/guitar/vocals) & Evonne “Boom” Bilotta-Burke (tenor guitar/vocals).
B&W image courtesy of Heidi Sorum Girod. CD @ https://www.rosiedazebandmusic.com/
