Earlier this year I was lucky enough to catch Kelsey Waldon supporting Margo Price at Celtic Connections festival, where she previewed this brilliant new album of bluegrass and old time music called ‘There’s Always a Song’.
Kelsey begins this album by honouring the mother of folk music Jean Ritchie. This new version of ‘Keep Your Garden Clean’ is a haunting a cappella folk song showing Kelsey’s Kentucky musical roots run deep.
The Carter family’s Hello Stranger features S.G. Goodman, and together they take this old song from the vaults and make it sound like it belongs right here in this space and time.
I Only Exist highlights Kelsey’s distinctive twang, complemented nicely by Isaac Gibson’s smooth country voice and some gorgeous musical arrangements. The fun ‘Uncle Pen’ is a brilliant toetapper with the wonderful Amanda Shires playing first fiddle.
‘I’ve Endured’ is a simple acknowledgment of human suffering and surviving adversity which sadly feels all too eternal. Old songs say so much.
When Margo joins her for ‘Traveling the Highway Home’ together they channel the spirit of the best country stars of the past, offering a blisteringly good performance. More duets between these two, please.
All of these songs may be covers but they’re new to my ears and that’s why bringing them back to life is so important. Kelsey’s interpretations and her voice make for an engaging and evocative listen. Sometimes all you need is a song to help you endure.
BUY: https://ohboy.com/collections/kelsey-waldon
https://kelseywaldon.bandcamp.com/album/theres-always-a-song-2
Highway Queens 
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