Released 10 years ago
The Hazel and Alice Sessions
Laurie Lewis · 2016
43 min · 14 tracks
A heartfelt collection of traditional American folk songs woven with intricate harmonies and expressive storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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James Alley Blues — This track captures the raw emotion inherent in traditional blues with an engaging vocal delivery and poignant lyrics about longing and heartbreak.
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Farewell My Home — The song powerfully conveys themes of nostalgia and loss, featuring haunting harmonies that elevate its emotional weight.
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Working Girl Blues — This track stands out for its lively instrumentation and relatable lyrics that reflect the struggles of everyday working women, resonating deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship while honoring its roots, making it a solid entry in contemporary folk.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of vocal harmonies, with Laurie Lewis and her collaborators often singing in close intervals that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Each track maintains a traditional folk structure, typically featuring verses followed by a chorus, which reinforces the storytelling aspect.
- Several songs incorporate instrumental breaks that highlight the musicianship of the accompanying players, particularly on banjo and fiddle.
- The pacing is steady throughout, with most tracks maintaining a mid-tempo feel that allows for reflective listening.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt storytelling with warmth
- for cozy gatherings
- short tracks for quick listens
- nostalgic melodies for reflection
- easygoing background for conversations
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- wanting lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Hazel and Alice Sessions marks Laurie Lewis's continued exploration of American roots music, following her acclaimed works in the 1990s. By 2016, she had established herself as a prominent figure in bluegrass and folk, blending original compositions with classic tunes. This album reflects her deep appreciation for the legacy of Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard, pioneers in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Darrell Scott· Tim O'Brien· Alison Krauss
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cowboy Jim 2:47
- 2 James Alley Blues 2:28
- 3 Who’s That Knocking? 3:10
- 4 Walking in My Sleep 2:37
- 5 Mama’s Gonna Stay 3:00
- 6 Won’t You Come and Sing for Me? 4:14
- 7 Darling Nellie 2:35
- 8 Farewell My Home 4:13
- 9 Let That Liar Alone 3:10
- 10 You’ll Get No More of Me 2:51
- 11 Train on the Island 2:09
- 12 Working Girl Blues 4:32
- 13 I Hear a Sweet Voice Calling 3:25
- 14 Pretty Bird 2:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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