Woke up this morning with what felt like a hangover. Dreamt that I had seen a petite woman playing a stand up bass. Hey, that's a pretty special dream. Do petite women really play the stand up bass? They sure do if they are called Amy LaVere. Wondering if her album "Anchors & Anvils" is something special too?
Well, you get Jim Dickinson behind the old mixing desk. Now, he's got a real pedigree. You also get a smattering of the most wondrous Jimbo Mathus as well. All the signs are good so far. Then there's Ms LaVere's wondrously appealing voice. A touch sardonic in her approach without a doubt but she wins your heart like any chain smoking, bourbon drinking backroom bar playing angel should do. In the best country tradition, there are, of course, songs about relationships like the offbeat "Killing Him" and songs about alcohol consumption like "Pointless Drinking" but the best thing is the sense of atmosphere brought to the songs. The musicianship is understated throughout - though the connoisseur will recognise true quality in the drumming of Paul Taylor - and nothing detracts from the spell that Ms LaVere's voice casts over the listener.
Once saw Ms LaVere live. Nearly fell in love with her too. However the beer was not of the best and that saved me. You can't fall in love with such a woman when you're sober. It was going to be heartbreak all the way. Just knew it. Anyway, sober I was and alone I left. That, my friends, was probably for the best. Buying the album was the safer option by far.