Sugarland

“Premium Quality Tunes”

Sugarlandmusic.com

Chemistry, in music just like everything else, means everything. And, judging from this stunning independent release, Sugarland’s got that sometimes elusive quality, in spades.

Start with a trio of absolutely fabulous Atlanta-based singers, Kristen Hall, a veteran, even at her relatively young age, hit songwriter; Jennifer Nettles, who’s had three solo releases of her own; and Kristian Bush, who was part of the duo Billy Pilgrim. Their performance, alone, is enough to make this an amazing record, but when you add in drummer Simone Simonton, who played with the Indigo Girls; and guitarist Bret Hartley, also from Billy Pilgrim, the mix is just right. Bassist Clay Cook, who has written songs for current wunderkind John Mayer, and pedal steel virtuoso Mark van Allen round out the exceptional instrumental support.

Sometimes this kind of “supergroup” makeup breaks down under the sum of its parts, but not here. The songs are well written and sung, sounding like the strongest of Dolly Parton’s best work mixed with the best of the Dixie Chicks on one hand, and, on the other hand, even better and unique on their own terms.

If you want to hear what’s right with Nashville country music today, run out and grab onto Sugarland. This band’s currently unsigned to a recording contract. Judging from this release, it’s only a matter of time. The release is available from their web site, listed above.

- Mark T. Gould

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