indy cd & vinyl

GREG ZIESEMER & KRISS LUCKETT—VIRGINIA & BARE BONES

Greg Ziesemer needs no introduction to folks around here, as his solo as well as group work (with the Spud Puppies currently and too many to name previously) has always been of the highest quality, both instrumentally and vocally. Now we have the pleasure of TWO new discs from the man, along with compatriot Kriss Luckett. Virginia and Bare Bones share the same tracklisting, with the difference being the latter contains, well, bare bones versions of the former. Both albums reside along that country/folk continuum that Ziesemer generally occupies, and both are full of rich, gorgeous harmonies, fine playing, and thoughtful lyrics. Songwriting duties are split down the middle between Ziesemer and Luckett, with Ziesemer’s tunes having a touch more country twang than Luckett’s. Viriginia finds the tunes fleshed out beautifully with mandolin, violin, dobro, cello, banjo, bass, and percussion. Bare Bones, however, is equally, if not more delightful. Not only can one easily hone in on the beautiful sounds of Ziesemer’s and Luckett’s great voices, but the excellent guitar playing accompanying each tune is a treat to hear unadorned. This is particularly true when Ziesemer is wielding his 12-string, which frames each song with absolute perfection. You can choose which disc you want depending on how full a sound you’re after, but my advice is to purchase both and revel in how the same songs can conjure up different feelings and images depending on the accompaniment.