JOY KILLS SORROW

This Unknown Science

2011-09-07

This is the second time around for this Boston-based bluegrass outfit, named for the '30s radio station where the Monroe Brothers were often heard (WJKS--Where Joy Kills Sorrow), and this set takes the bluegrass basics and adds a variety of other influences, from jazz to rock to blues. More experimental than JKS's debut, one finds songs of dark, light and in-between, book-ended by Matthew Arcara's picking (he's an award-winner in that category) and Emma Beaton's vocals. Bassist and main composer Bridget Kearney has a John Lennon Songwriting title under her belt, so the lyric-music interplay is seamless. Check out "Reservations," "New Man" and "Eli." And for a mood-evoker, sample "Somewhere Over the Atlantic." Laudable and applaudable. 09/11 Michael J. F-Americana

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 03/2012

    TRUCKSTOP HONEYMOON
    Steamboat in a Cornfield

  • reviewed 10/2006

    Jess Klein
    City Garden

  • reviewed 06/2011

    Black Jake and the Carnies
    Sundry Mayhems

  • reviewed 02/2014

    AMY BLACK
    THIS IS HOME

  • reviewed 11/2015

    Colin Linden
    Rich In Love

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Basia Bulat
    Oh My Darling

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.