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 05/2015

    Tomo Nakayama
    Fog on the Lens

  • reviewed 04/2009

    NEIL YOUNG
    FORK IN THE ROAD

  • reviewed 08/2007

    JOAN OSBORNE
    Breakfast in Bed

  • reviewed 02/2009

    BUDDY & JULIE MILLER
    WRITTEN IN CHALK

  • reviewed 05/2011

    GORD DOWNIE AND THE COUNTRY MIRACLES
    The Grand Bounce

  • reviewed 01/2012

    KELLY PARDEKOOPER
    Yonder

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.