Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers (Zoe Muth, 2009)

There is always a tendency to try and find creative and unusual ways to describe the music of a particular CD and artist. The heck with that. Zoe Muth's album is very good. The music is written with imagination and performed in an expressive style. Muth comes from the Seattle area as does her backing band. The music can't be pigeonholed. It meanders not like an aimless traveler, but more like a refreshing stream moving through the countryside. There is traditional country, roots rock and folk elements strewn along the path.

Phrasing is one of Muth's strengths. She is constantly surprising with her delivery throughout the 12 songs. Her voice is strong yet still delicate when necessary. Writing or co-writing every song, You Only Believe Me When I'm Lying and The Last Bus are the best songs from a very good group.

The package would have been improved with a lyric sheet, but that is virtually the lone misstep to be found. The band is also front and center in the mix. There is Country Dave Harmonson on pedal steel and electric guitar, Ethan Lawton on mandolin, Miguel Salas on bass, and Greg Nies on drums, The band has a good feel for the material and one another.