This World Oft Can Be

The second full-length album by Boston-based Della Mae demonstrates that the all-female quintet are presently in a sweet spot, one defined by a compelling blend of easy listening bluegrass and contemporary country pop (in a good way). Lead singer Celia Woodsmith, guitarist Courtney Hartman, bass player Shelby Means, mandolinist Jenny Lyn Gardner and fiddler Kimber Ludiker have shared stages with Willie Nelson, Del McCoury and Leon Russell, among others. The 12 tracks here (all credited to the band) were produced by former Punch Brothers guitarist Bryan Sutton and recorded at the Nashville area studio once favoured by Johnny Cash. Among the songs, which range from swinging hoedown rippers to bluesy waltzing ballads, Woodsmith’s ‘Heaven’s Gate’ stands out as pitch-perfect, highlighting her sharply honed mezzo delivery and the band’s superbly simpatico accompaniment and solo skills. No one would accuse these gals of pushing boundaries, but what they do is bring heart and soul to a body of original, creative work.