Chimneys & Fishes (Cravedog, 1997)

Mixing the languid tempo of the Cowboy Junkies, the electric folklicks of Jerry Garcia, the blue yearnings of Kitty Wells, and theenergy of bluegrass and jug-band music, Little Sue and her bandhave produced a fine musical stew. Led by ex-West Virginian, Susannah Weaver, the band plays with a spontaneity that showcases genuine interaction between theplayers. "Whiskey Hat" finds the solists trading the spotlight witha familiarity that needs little more than a nod. Although sometimes slightly low in the mix, the blues and country guitar ofJim Boyer on tracks like "Princess" and "Spring Becomes You,"and the fiddle of Marille Hord shine throughout.

An infectiously good album who only real drawbacks are the nearly unreadable lyric sheet and liner notes. (Cravedog Records, P.O. Box 1831, Portland, OR 97201)