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ADRIENNE YOUNG
Plow to the End of the Row

This year, so many excellent CDs by female singer/songwriters have been released under the roots music banner that the next new talent's album could possibly stir up some resistance. That feeling, however, disappears like snow under the sun after putting 'Plow to the End of the Row' into the CD player. 'Plow to the End of the Row' belongs to the better roots albums of this year, and it's quite possibly the best album of 2003. If we have to compare Adrienne Young to anyone, Gillian Welch is the most obvious choice. Just like Welch, Young isn't afraid to use ancient bluegrass in her songs. Contrary to Welch, however, Young isn't afraid of more contemporary music. 'Plow to the End of the Row' ranges from bluegrass traditionals to Nashville country ballads (including beautiful duets with Will Kimbrough). The album also has folk/pop songs and rock, including material Uncle Tupelo would have been proud of. Not only does Adrienne Young play the banjo very well, but she also possesses a magnificent voice, a voice that lends just the right extra touch to all of the songs. 'Plow to the End of the Row,' which is also packaged exquisitely, is a fantastic roots CD, one on which Adrienne Young offers a superb balance of traditional and modern music.

Marvelous!4/5 stars
ERWIN Zijleman
Plato Mania