Music From Rancho DeVille stands as a testament to the life and work of guitarist
Charles Sawtelle, packed full of good songs and instrumentals. After spending years as a member of
Hot Rize,
Sawtelle operated a studio and produced albums for
Front Range and
Leftover Salmon. The 16 cuts that comprise
Music From Rancho DeVille are made up of a number of sessions and settings, featuring
Laurie Lewis,
Sam Bush,
Peter Rowan, and other luminaries.
Norman Blake and
David Grisman join
Sawtelle on three
Carter Family songs, including the lovely "The Storms Are on the Ocean." This cut produces good solo work all around and nice harmony between
Blake and
Tim O'Brien. Mandolinist
Tom Rozum and fiddler
Darol Anger join in on "Aragon Mill," a poignant lyric about what happens when work dries up in a small town.
Sawtelle's country-flavored vocals, and
Rozum and
Mollie O'Brien's harmony, prove just right to carry the emotion of the piece. The brooding, minor key "Jolie Faye," inspires an extended, soulful guitar solo backed by the insistent fiddle work of
Michael Doucet. Several cuts, including "The Newz Reel" and "Chez Seychelles," show off the instrumental skill of all involved. The album ends on a solemn, spiritual note with "Angel Band," a haunting tune with nice group harmony on the chorus. The bagpipe fade-out is a lovely touch. The liner notes include an essay by
Pete Wernick and reflections by
Sawtelle's many friends. This album will be warmly appreciated by fans of the numerous musicians mentioned above, and is easy to recommend to lovers of great acoustic music. ~ Ronnie Lankford, Jr.