Nanci Griffith Poet In My Window CD

THERE'S A LIGHT BEYOND THESE WOODS, Nanci Griffith's debut album, was essentially an early example of DIY--recorded live, without overdubs. This sophomore effort marked her first foray into a real studio, and although she's got a drummer with her this time (LIGHT was all acoustic), the musical format is much the same, with a more or less equal balance struck between her folk and country roots. Several of the songs deal in varying degrees of nostalgia, a longing addressed directly in "You Can't Go Home Again," and rather more obliquely in a cover of Jimmie Dale Gilmore's "Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtownl" Other highlights include the neo-bluegrass "Wheels" and the faux cowboy blues "Heart of a Miner."

While Poet in My Window is only a small step up from Nanci Griffith's debut, the album finds her inching toward the mature art of Once in a Very Blue Moon. While guitars and an occasional mandolin embellished There's a Light Beyond These Woods, a fuller country sound graces its follow-up. Pedal steel and multiple acoustic guitars fill out "Can't Love Wrong" and "Heart of a Miner," giving them lots of body. While Griffith's vocals sometimes bordered on timid on her first album, the bigger country-folk sound inspires a more vigorous approach here. Indeed, on "Wheels" and "October Reasons," she shows herself capable of belting out a phrase or two without losing the vulnerable underside of the song. Evelyn Taylor offers a bit of harmony here and there, adding to the "bigger" sound of the album and pleasantly complementing Griffith's voice. Lyrically, A Poet in My Window offers sharp observations and memorable lines on pieces like "Workin' These Corners." When Griffith sings "She's just a hill country girl home from the city/Her pockets full of plenty of those neon lights" on "Waltzing With the Angels," she manages to be both clever and insightful. While all of these elements work together to create a strong impression on Poet in My Window, the songs lack the standout quality that would mark a half a dozen cuts on Once in a Very Blue Moon. The earlier album is nonetheless easy on the ears, and fans unfamiliar with it will appreciate watching a young poet find her bearings. [The 2002 release by Rounder includes a previously unreleased song, "Can't Love Wrong," not included on the original.] ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Recorded at Loma Ranch Studios, Fredericksburg, Texas. Originally released on Philo (1098). Includes liner notes by Nanci Griffith.

Engineers include: Laurie Hill, John Hill, Mark Miller.

Personnel: Nanci Griffith (vocals, acoustic guitar); Marlin Griffith (tenor); Brian Wood (acoustic guitar); Doug Lancio (electric guitar); John Catchings, Ron de la Vega (cello); James Hooker, Wells Young (piano, synthesizer); John Hill, Pat McInerney (drums).

Audio Remixer: Mark Miller .

Recording information: Loma Ranch Studio, Fredericksburg, TX.

Personnel includes: Nanci Griffith (vocals, acoustic guitar); Brian Wood (acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar, background vocals); Ron De La Vega (cello, bass); John Catchings (cello); Wells Young (piano, synthesizer, bass); James Hooker (piano, synthesizer); Eric Taylor (bass); Jon Hill (drums); The Gulf Coasters, Evelyn Taylor (background vocals).

Producers include: Nanci Griffith, John Hill, Laurie Hill, Wayne Miller, Jim Rooney.

Blister Pack