She Waits (ТВ) (1972)

Сюжет кино: For a style of music that's so supremely rooted in homespun traditions, front porch gatherings, and community, bluegrass has slid on keeping women active in the fold. Even women stars like Adrienne Young and Laurie Lewis tend to have all or mainly men in their backing bands. Not so for Uncle Earl, an all-female supergroup playing some of the most forward-thinking, progressive old-timey music you can get out there right now.
The troupe a quartet (now a quintet on tour) who play originals and traditionals with a distinctly acoustic mindset that isn't shackled to twang of the past. Though there is no doubt the group is playing bluegrass, they bring in hints of jazz, blues, Cape Breton music, and more in the progressive acoustic mold. Even better, all members of the group are also confident artists with careers apart from the group--we get the benefit of strong soloists who aren't going to be subverted by their own egos.
Original songs like "Pale Moon," "Divine," and "Take These Chains" give group members an opportunity to strech their legs as innovators and rotating group leaders. But the solo mindset under these tunes is carefully balanced with old traditionals like "Willie Taylor" and covers like "There Is a Time" which allow the members to vanish into a greater whole. The interplay of these forces creates a complex tapestry of sound in which no single creative voice dominates the others.
This is the third album issued under the Uncle Earl name, though it's the first to go into wide release. Not only does it serve as an excellent introduction to the band, it can turn the audience on to the individual members, most of whom have their own work out as well. (Abigail Washburn is definitely the star of the group, but I'm fond of Rayna Gellert's distinctive and resonant voice, and her sharp fiddling.) If old-timey music has a place in a hip-hop world, these skilled and active women will be at the keystone. Look for more from them in the near future.