Upstate New York-based vocalist Bridget Ball and her husband (fellow singer-songwriter Christopher Shaw) have quietly built a fine catalog of contemporary folk music marked by consistently high-quality musicianship and thoughtful songwriting. Bricks and Windows is one of Ball's most fully realized efforts, and features guest performances by several Woodstock area notables, including folk revival pioneer Artie Traum, the Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian, and Garth Hudson from the Band. Perhaps due to the influence of these '60s icons, much of the music on this disc flows with a gentle autumnal vibe typical of classic records by artists like Tim Hardin, Simon & Garfunkel, Steve Gillette, and Jim Croce. Ball and Shaw composed seven of the albums' 12 tunes, and these stand favorably alongside the covers; the duo has a knack for tackling intensely personal and subtle subject matter without resorting to the sickening drippiness that plagues the work of many less-talented modern folk artists. The non-original tunes are well chosen as well. Ball performs Michael Nesmith's classic "Different Drum" with vocal aplomb, but unfortunately adds little to the definitive Stone Poneys version. The other musicians' performances are sensitive throughout, and special mention should be made of Cindy Cashdollar, whose dobro and lap steel playing often makes good songs extraordinary. Overall, Bricks and Windows is the work of a mature and accomplished folk artist who deserves much wider acclaim.
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