These Are The Good Old Days (Self-released, 2003)

Patty Mitchell's self-released debut is an impressive mix of bluegrass and acoustic country. Though Mitchell does not write any of the songs, she chooses her material wisely. Most notable are three cuts written by Gail Davies, including the uptempo "I Need My Baby Back" and "Drown In The Flood" and the ballad "A Love That Could Last."

Mitchell's vocals are particularly suited to ballads, as with "Now That's Lonely," the story of a jilted lover who cannot let go of the past and "How Was I To Know," a similarly themed tune in which the singer seems to feel remorse for past mistakes. Other standout tracks are Carter Stanley's "You're Still To Blame," the inspirational "Spirit (Bend Close To Me)" and the optimistic "Good Old Days" which touts the present over the past.

Mitchell is nicely accompanied throughout by guitarist and husband David Lege, as well as David Harvey (mandolin), Keith Little (banjo) and Casey Driessen (fiddle). After a brief interim stint in the early '90's with the Dixie Chicks and lending support to such artists as Emmylou Harris and Davies, Patty Mitchell's debut reveals an artist ready to claim her place in the spotlight. (615-351-1518)