Meet Me at the River plays like the mirror image to its predecessor, 2014's Bluebird. Where that record was sparse and heartbroken, Meet Me at the River is a rich, supple record, thanks in large part to
Dawn Landes' decision to hire
Fred Foster, a Nashville legend who produced classic recordings by
Roy Orbison,
Kris Kristofferson, and
Willie Nelson.
Landes isn't quite looking to re-create the lush sound of countrypolitan, but rather a vibe that blends the clean lines of '60s country with the eccentricity of
Foster's work with
Kristofferson. The stable of Music City pros gives the album an appealing snap and
Landes is game to play by some of Nashville's rules, co-writing a few of the tunes, including the sly barroom two-step "Why They Name Whiskey After Men," covering an old
Jimmie Driftwood tune ("What Is the Color of the Soul of Man"), and duetting with
Bobby Bare on the good-natured "I Don't Dance." While she can wander into melancholic territory on occasion, even those numbers feel openhearted, and that warmth is what's so charming about Meet Me at the River.
Landes is ready and willing to create her own spin on classic country, winding up with a generous and clever gem. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine