Aoife O'Donovan - Fossils [CD]

In the decade since Aoife O’Donovan founded the acclaimed progressive string band Crooked Still, she has collaborated with some of the most eminent names across roots, classical, bluegrass, and jazz, from Alison Krauss and Chris Thile to Yo-Yo Ma and Dave Douglas. Aoife will step to the fore with her debut solo album, Fossils, that features 10 original songs by O'Donovan and contributions from friends and frequent collaborators like Sam Amidon and Dave Douglas. The album was recorded in Portland, OR, and Aoife's adopted home of New York City. Album opener "Lay My Burden Down" may already be familiar to music fans via Alison Krauss' interpretation of the track on her 2011 album Paper Airplane, but the swirling arrangements and glistening harmonies on Fossils hold many surprises. The intimate "Thursday's Child" and languid, wistful "Red & White & Blue & Gold" are hypnotic in their delicacy, while "Beekeeper" and "Fire Engine" show the forceful power and resolute grace drawn from the deep well of emotion in Aoife's voice.