Letters From Sinners & Strangers by EILEN JEWELL

I got sent this CD by mistake - and I'm very pleased about it. Eilen Jewell's voice is reminiscent of a smokey night club. Her songs cover a variety of styles and they are all good. She's moved on from "Boundary County", although that is not a criticism of that album - it's well worth listening to.Her voice is full of - I'm not sure what. It's relaxed, tuneful, but grabs your attention. I'm so glad somebody made a mistake!

Had a posting from an unrelated source on Facebook. Gave a listen and was immediately impressed. It's country music, but with the guitar sound I like. Eilen has a great voice, superb phrasing and produced a fantastic sound.

Eilen Jewell is one of those artists, rather like Patty Griffin who once heard makes a real impact. Her music is a mixture of acoustic flavoured Western Swing,Tex- Mex,Country and Rockabilly which are performed with a world -weary , seen it all before ease that entertains as it captivates.Eilen's songs have the feel of the motel, the bar after closing time, the flop house.Her subject is the shadowy end of town where decent folks fear to tread.And when it comes to love of course, she's on the losing end.She is a great songwriter and singer. Her songs feel 'lived in' and if you've ever been down at heel,you'll know about she knows your story.The band back up Ms Jewell with a low key virtuosity,deftly providing all the colour and rhythmic drive required without ever overpowering the vocal line.Listen out for the twanging guitar work of Jerry Miller who says more with one reverb drenched note then many others manage in a whole solo.He is a master. Mention to should be made of fiddler Daniel Keller who likewise drives things along with a tasty flourish or two.I guarantee that you will go a long way before you hear a better album in this genre. Recommended.

Eilen Jewell - Letters From Sinners & Strangers (Signature Sounds)There's no escaping the fact: "Letters From Sinners & Strangers" is a remarkably accomplished album. Full of great songs and a production which oozes soul, Jewell has woven together a collection of American music which touches upon everything from jazz and western swing to blues and folk. She blends these genres with both subtlety and understanding, without ever forgetting those great songs and the pop hooks to go with them. There's simply not a hint of filler anywhere to be found, and it wont surprise any fan of Americana lucky enough to hear it, that "Letters..." has made its way to the top of all sorts of 2007 `best of' lists. 9/10.

I only recently discovered Eilen and she is not only the best singer in country but has a great voice by any standards. I now own all three (I will add Boundary Country soon) and there isn't a single track on any of the albums that merits skipping (how many albums do you have where you can say that). If you thought Emmylou Harris' Boulder To Birmingham was the ultimate Gram Parsons tribute then listen to In The End (track 9).

I saw her live two years ago and have played and played this ever since - a wonderful mix of country, blues and folkith a 50s but not dated sound. Best tracks for me are Dusty Boxcar Wall, Heartache Boulevard, If You Catch Me Stealing and the incredibly slinky Too Hot Too Sleep...but the others arn't far behind...go on...give it a go (and buy all her other albums too)...you'll feel better for it

Amazing talent an what a guitarist. Haunting blues / country / rockabilly / bluegrass / jazz musicianship. Seen her live and without the fiddles, banjos etc, all the more electrifying.Tony D

Every so often comes along an intelligence, a singer and some very fine songs.Make the most of it, my dear, you are right about yourself, and your band, being very good indeed. Please play "The Maze" again, sometime.