Don't Turn Your Back (Compass, 2009)

Dale Ann Bradley, two-time and current International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, displays remarkable vocal range here. A former Coon Creek Girl and daughter of a Baptist preacher from the hills of Kentucky, Bradley grew up in a self-described "backwoods holler" on a rural road where electricity and running water weren't available until she was in high school. Her "close to the ground" background is evident in convincing heartfelt vocals. Bradley's unique ability to wrap her voice and soul around the lyrics and melody allows her to step into someone else's life making their story her song.

A short list of musical highlights includes her cover Fleetwood Mac's Over My Head, Tom Petty's I Won't Back Down, a poignant Anybody Else's Heart But Mine, and the touching Will I Be Good Enough. True to her daughter-of-a-preacher roots, Don't Turn Your Back contains three first rate gospel numbers: the lighthearted Rusty Old Halo, The Carter Family classic Fifty Miles of Elbow Room and the time-honored Heaven with help from IBMA Entertainers of the Year Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent. Other guests include Stuart Duncan (fiddle/banjo), Deanie Richardson (fiddle), Alison Brown (banjo), Gena Britt (banjo), Steve Gulley (vocals), Mike Bub (bass), and Claire Lynch (harmony vocal).