One of my favorite things to do in my spare time is to listen to music. Thanks to local radio station 88.1 FM WYCE, I not only have a chance to get my hands on Brand New Music before it ever hits the record stores, I also get to review this great music as well! While I'm not a country music fan, the bluegrass of Donna Ulissee's latest is pretty good: Here's my review below. Check out the music when you get a chance - I don't think you'll be disappointed.
The word "real" comes to mind as you listen to Donna Ulisse's latest release, "Walk This Mountain Down." There's nothing phony here as the singer/songwriter shares her life - both the ups and the downs. The title track, well worth a spin, was actually inspired by Ulisse watching her mother-in-law hold strong and steady after losing her husband and daughter all in the span of one year. The fast-paced opener, "In My Wildest Dreams" is a great way to get things moving, highlighting the banjo and Ulisse's country laced voice that fits well in the bluegrass genre of things. Things slow down a bit, as the singer/songwriter gets serious on the beautiful "Poor Mountain Boy." Another song worth checking out is the blues sounding "The Trouble With You." Most prevalent here, however, is the genre of bluegrass gospel such as found on "Dust to Dust," "The Key," and perhaps the best of them, "Everything Has Changed," but also included as an element in many of the other songs as well. Despite where you might be at in life, it seems like there's a little something for everyone here as Ulisse gives the listener a perfect mix of down-home cooking with a voice that leaves little else to be desired of it. If bluegrass is your thing, you can't miss with Donna Ulisse's latest offering.
~ Reviewed by Jeff Bouma
