Dandelion

Becky Schlegel strides quietly, confidently forward--an artist whose talents continue to astound. Her musical strengths remain songs of unusual beauty and depth, and a voice that is heartbreakingly delicate; clear as a star-filled sky and unerringly true. On DANDELION, she puts forth what might well be her most commercial country effort to date, and does so without sacrificing an ounce of artistic integrity or her bluegrass heritage.
'This was a warm, welcoming project for many reasons,' Schlegel says. 'We took a more relaxed, spontaneous approach on DANDELION [co-produced by Schlegel and Brian Fesler] and let the songs be free to end up where they were destined to be.' The result is a live-sounding record that is rich with natural nuance and magical tone.
The 13-song collection is filled with Schlegel originals and features an all-star cast of supporting players, including: Randy Kohrs (Resonator Guitar/Background Vocals); Richard Dworsky, Benny Weinbeck (Piano); Gordon Johnson (Bass); Marc Anderson, Phil Hey (Percussion/Drums); Michael Witcher (Resonator Guitar); Kenny Wilson (Pedal Steel, Electric Guitar); Brian Fesler (Banjo, Acoustic/Electric Guitars); Josh Williams (Mandolin/Background Vocals); Jeff Midkiff, Joe Cruz (mandolin) and Clint Hoover (Chromatic/Diatonic Harps).
The CD opens with the ephemeral Anna, a haunting and fully-formed vignette of the past that was inspired by Schlegel's late grandmother. Another highlight is the engaging I Never Loved You Cowboy, a mid-tempo tune inspired by a real-life teenaged breakup. 'I tried so hard to act as if it didn t matter at the time,' Becky says, 'but deep down I was heartbroken.' The disc's first single is the lilting So Embarrassing, which features the harmonies of Randy Kohrs. The tempo picks up with Colorado Line; a long look back at a well-remembered goodbye - and what might have been. When It Rains tells the story of a trucker, a waitress, a truck stop layover - and the outer limits of loneliness. 'Josh Williams' harmony vocal on this one gives me goose bumps,' Becky states.
For those who still believe that music should transport and transcend, Becky Schlegel and DANDELION await.