Somewhere South of Crazy

For more than 20 years, bluegrass fans have known Dale Ann Bradley as a singer of uncommon warmth and nuance. Her eighth album, Somewhere South of Crazy, ought to earn her still wider appreciation. Bradley’s ability to interpret mountain music remains utterly convincing; her Kentucky heritage is evident in every note she sings. Her willingness to stretch bluegrass boundaries hasn’t flagged either, as shown by the Appalachian-style treatment she gives Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze.” Whatever the song’s source, Bradley displays a gift at drawing out the poignancy of a lovelorn lyric or kindling the fire within an uptempo tune. “New Shoes,” “In Despair,” and “Next to Nothing” are galloping ‘grass workouts sung with downhome vigor. Even better are the ballads, especially “Restoring the Love” (a duet with Steve Gulley) and a live take of “Old Southern Porches.” The title track—a collaboration with Pam Tills—is a smart, harmony-driven country tune. Stellar bluegrass players like Stuart Duncan, Sierra Hull, and Alison Brown (the album’s producer) lend Bradley the support she needs to make this an outstanding release.