Young Man In America
(Wilderland Records)
The follow-up to Hadestown, Mitchell's guest-starred touring "folk opera" disc that memorably graced Celtic Connections 2011 in its live incarnation, is another cracker of a collection. This one may not be a suite as such, but there is a clear lyrical unity to her work, and a literary and musical richness that suggests filing this album near the new Leonard Cohen would not be inappropriate. Her own light high voice could hardly be more different, of course, but take time to warm to it and you will appreciate the biblical allusions and classical references that glisten in her intelligent writing. Her stylistic range is wide too, from the poppy Dyin Day (with excellent mandolin from Chris Thile), to the pagan rocker Venus, and the beautifully conceived (and trailed) ballad Shepherd. Todd Sickafoose provides atmospheric arrangements and production, combining the sparest use of guitar, vocals, percussion and electronic effects with a chamber group that features superb playing from trumpeter Ara Anderson, clarinetist Ben Goldberg and flautist Jessica Lurie. Eleven songs that will repay repeated listening.
