Annie Neeley
Big Old Moon
Independent
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One can never be certain when receiving advice from friends. βIβm sure that crab meat at the back of the fridge is fine to eat!β comes to mind. However, when the friend is Sarah Rudy (of West Virginia band Hello June), and the advice is, βYou need to hear the new album by Annie Neeley!β β that is advice worth taking.
The album in question, Big Old Moon, marks Annie Neeleyβs first release since her 2016 collab with the artist Andrew Adkins. While that album was more of a bluegrass affair, Neeley pulls out all of the roots/folk/blues/Americana stops on this album, to great effect.
Recorded live at the home studio of Neeleyβs friend, producer Bud Carroll, the production is full and clean, and the performances are strong. With a band that includes Neeleyβs collaborator/bassist (and husband) Dave Kirkpatrick, drummer Ammed Solomon, and keys player Randy Gilkey, the songs on Big Old Moon are well-served by theΒ playersβ talent and skill.
Neeleyβs chops as a singer and songwriter are apparent right off the top. The false endings and cheeky turnarounds of the title track, βBig Old Moonβ give us an early hint of the goodness to come. With a voice that is both sweet and powerful, Annie Neeley seriously delivers. She is equally comfortable emoting the intimate, close-miked tune βHeroβ, as she is when belting out a song like the retro country barn-burner βSweet Loveβ.
Stylistically, Big Old Moon checks a lot of boxes, and truly has something for everyone: titles that intrigue, styles that engage, and songs that fit just right. There are many great moments on this album, but the southern gospel soul of βWe Riseβ, and the existentialist heartache and country-folk hooks of βPast And Goneβ are particularly noteworthy.
The overall production and execution, and stylistic side-trips make Big Old Moon a bona fide songwriterβs album. Neeleyβs influences are diverse, but in that diversity is strength. This is a songwriter who is connected to herself, and to the literal and metaphorical places that she calls home. Keep your eyes and ears on this artist.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ANNIE NEELEY – BIG OLD MOON
Bryan Williston