Yes, I know that it's still early on, but this little gem of a record

is my early choice for Record of the Year. It's that good.



Tyrell, a talented violinist, vocalist and songwriter, has crafted

a sterling set of 11 tunes, all of which are equally hummable, or

get you right in the gut. After a quarter century of backing such

musicians as Bruce Springsteen (who, along with wife Patti Scialfa

sings and plays on the record, while Tyrell's graceful, haunting violin

work is the centerpiece of much of Springsteen's riveting work

"The Rising," released last year, and she accompanies the

E Street Band on their current world tour), Carole King and a

host of others, she has most certainly made this record, shockingly

her first solo effort, worth the wait.



Backed by a sparse, yet imaginative trio, led by multi-instrumentalist

Larry Campbell and bassist Tony Garnier, both from Bob Dylan's backup

band, the emotion of these tracks, after Tyrell's long career on the road,

is testament to her talent and staying power.



- Mark T. Gould


****1/2