“I don’t think you can get this sound unless it’s born in ya”—when American singer/songwriter/upright bassist Melissa Carper heard that quote from legendary bluegrass artist Ralph “Man Of Constant Sorrow” Stanley, she immediately knew she had to do something with it. It led to Borned In Ya, the name dropping title track of her very well executed new full-length album, which follows her successful LPs Daddy’s Country Gold (March 2021) and Ramblin’ Soul (November 2022). The vintage sound in which country, jazz, folk, swing and soul come together has remained, the wordplay once again shows a sharp eye and a sense of humor, and the characteristic vocals steal the show as always, yet it is truly unique and even kind of refreshing in these modern times. In addition to ten entertaining originals, there are beautiful covers of That’s My Desire (written by Helmy Kresa & Carroll Loveday, first recorded by Russell Wooding & His Grand Central Red Caps, 1931), and Every Time We Say Goodbye (written by Cole Porter, first performed by Nan Wynn, 1944). Ralph Stanley (RIP) would have been impressed.

Borned In Ya, produced by Andrija Tokic & Dennis Crouch, is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP, through Mae Music / Thirty Tigers. Also featuring Jenn Hodges, Kyshona Armstrong, Larry Marrs, Maureen Murphy, Nickie Conley, Sierra Ferrell, Matty Meyer, Christopher Gelb, Dennis Crouch, Billy Contreras, Chris Scruggs, Rory Hoffman, John Baldwin, John Pahmer, Jeff Taylor, Doug Corcoran, Carl Larson, Kaitlyn Raitz, Laura Epling, Matt Combs and Rebecca Patek on select tracks.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Melissa Carper || Discogs