Valley Flower

This five-piece band out of Austin, Texas has a unique and compelling sound that draws from bluegrass as well as old-timey Appalachian music and country-folk.  Lead singer Rose Lichtenfels, who hails from Virginia, has a captivating voice marked by emotional nuance and provocative phrasing. At times, she sounds reminiscent of the Carter Family; at other times, Lucinda Williams.

Lichtenfels also composed these eight compelling songs, which at times cast an almost hypnotic spell.  The title tune is a meandering, high-lonesome outing. “Westfalia Van” features a particularly wistful lead and a fine guitar solo. “Critter Junction” is a back-to-nature anthem while “Buddy’s Anthem/Run Buddy” has a particular urgency and is highlighted with another outstanding lead vocal.

Besides Lichtenfels, the band includes Jonah Calvo on fiddle, Dobro, and background vocals; Joe Wurst on lead guitar and background vocals; Phil Brush on bass and Scott Stegall on banjo and background vocals.