“Baker’s Dozen” for 2008 

Serving up some tasty tunes from last year **

#1 “Notes From Elsewhere” Stellar songwriting and exquisite  guitar from Peter Mulvey  captured in an intimate yet powerful live performance.  Every track’s a winner.

#2  “The Infamous Stringdusters” appear on my top 13 list for the second year with their latest self-titled CD on Sugar Hill.  The best of newgrass from six top-notch musicians.

#9  “Hideaway” A great songwriting and performing couple, Deb Talen & Steve Tannen’s  latest record features pop-tinged songs many of which have found their way to TV (including an Obama add that aired around the Country last October).

** Records selected from those received between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008.

#3  “Nothing Sweet Nothing” A beautifully produced record by a very talented singer and songwriter from Washington state.  More people need to know about Kym Tuvim.

#4  “Still Crooked” Crooked Still is

“still awesome” even after the departure of cellist  Rushad Eggleston. As always, great vocals from Aoife O’Donovan.

#5  “Beachcomber’s Daughter” The latest from Texan Beth Wood is a potpourri of musical styles that feature Beth’s strong songwriting.  Her vocals on this record are nothing short of amazing.

#6  “Ripe” If you like contemporary bluegrass you’ll want this record. 

The Dixie Bee Liners hail from Virginia and their musical roots show through on this fine release from Pinecastle Records.

#7  “Simple Tunes For Troubled Times” The best Americana record I heard last year that mixes bluegrass, jazz, blues and zydeco into something altogether different. Check out  Steppin’ In It .

#13 “Break The Spell” Her sixth release could be her best ever. Loaded with great songs.  Check out the latest from Ellis  

#12  “Bad Days Better Nights”    Anthony De Costa  is a young songwriter who writes way beyond his years.  He hooked up with Abbie Gardner for three days last year and together they captured some  powerful  performances.  

#11  “Never Close Enough” This record features full production and is a bit of a folk-pop rocker that I found myself playing over and over.  In other words, Sarah Sample rocks!

#10  “Come Up Full” A songwriters songwriter, this latest record from Meg Hutchinson is chock full of great songs.  Tastefully produced by Crit Harmon from Red House Records.

#8  “Fast Paced World” Back with a great new vocalist (Sarah Dugas) The Duhks are back on my Top 13 list with their latest release on Sugar Hill Records.