Kennedys - West

  by Carl Bookstein

published: 8 / 6 / 2015

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In the early 1990s, the Americana duo the Kennedys first met in Austin, Texas. After twenty years of duo gigs, travelling American roads from Texas to the Appalachians, Pete and Maura Kennedy now release 'West', the first of three discs slated for 2015. “We travelled west into the sunset” goes the lyric of the title track opener- resonant folk based Americana from the opening notes. It captures great Western landscapes from America to Mexico. 'Elegy' is a rich vocal by Maura Kennedy, accompanied by poignant banjo: “Crimson and clover on a hillside bright/I wonder where you are tonight.” With harmonic backing vocals, 'Sisters of the Road' is comforting music that warms your bones: “When I’m feeling confused, I hear the muse/She brings me peace.” Capturing woods emerald green with unseen dragonflies buzzing, 'Signs' somehow also brings to mind Sandy Denny and Fairport Convention. 'Jubilee Time' carries a full dose of healing vibrations: “Nothing left for us to do but sing… May your load be light my friend.” “For what else do we have but dreams?” is the closing lyric on 'Black Snake, White Snake', a rollicking, slithering tune, evocatively conjuring some kind of Western countryside sound and mood. 'Travel Day Blues' is charge ahead Lubbock, Texas Buddy Holly style rock and roll, and 'The Queen Of Hollywood High' possesses a fine lyric: “There are spirits taking flight/Wings across the boulevard,” capturing angels flying in the Northern sky. 'Good, Better, Best' is the soothing love song closer - all positivity, with a soul calming folk arrangement featuring mandolin. 'West', all in all represents a solid effort from the Kennedys- very down to earth.

Track Listing:-

1 West
2 Elegy
3 Sisters of the Road
4 Signs
5 Jubilee Time
6 Locket
7 Southern Jumbo
8 Black Snake, White Snake
9 Bodhisattva Blues
10 Travel Days Blues
11 Queen of Hollywood High
12 Perfect Love
13 Good, Better, Best

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/The.Kennedys.Fan
https://twitter.com/kennedysthe

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