Sometimes the instruments used on a CD give it the feel that the songs could have been played in one part of a house or another. When it comes to Cydney Robinson's Spokesman for the Shoeless, much of it feels like it could come from the porch or maybe the parlor. And her voice fits the songs to a tee, slight rasp and all.

There is a darkness in the lyrics of "Jebadiah" that slowly unfolds over the starkness of the guitar. The old-time feel continues into "Hold Me Now," a simple bluegrass song that is carried by her vocals. The first set comes to a close with "Amos Henry" as her voice and the guitar keep things simple.

The music is kicked up a notch with "Georgia," giving the song a slightly different feel and drive than the previous songs. The new mood continues through "Butterflies & Diamonds" and the instrumental bridge brings the rockabilly flavor to the fore. She steps back to the sparseness of the first songs with "Texas" and its simplicity of missing a person or place.

Then comes a slow waltz in "My Wedding," and the pace brings a quiet sorrow to the song. The tone drifts slightly more mournful in "Pelican Bay." The mood and tempo shift for "Caroline," a song to the other woman, asking her to leave. The piano adds a lovely touch to "Follow Me Down," as there is a quiet hope in the lyrics of the song.

Sometimes, as I am sure I have said before and will say again, I hate classifying music and just want to say it is good -- listen to it. Sometimes the music here edges a bit more to the bluegrass side of things, sometimes maybe a bit of country or the kitchen sink (and less than useful) category loosely called folk. But no matter where you'd place it, Cydney Robinson is very good.

[ visit the artist's website ]