KRISTY COX

KRISTY COX
RICOCHET

Mountain Fever
MFR1801119

We truly may be living in a new Golden Age for bluegrass female vocalists. The reach of the music has extended clean across the world to Australia. Kristy Cox, a relative newcomer to the U.S. music scene, has made quite a splash since she hit the country. Her new album Ricochet showcases what audiences Down Under have known for some time: she’s a remarkable talent.

Her last two projects have been produced by Grammy-winner Jerry Salley. After compiling a few number one hits in her home country, she earned an IBMA showcase in 2015, and this is a great follow up.

The album opens with “South To North Carolina” and “Cry Me A River,” a quick nod to traditional bluegrass and her route—she mentions Flatt & Scruggs and Sydney, Australia in the same stanza—and never slows up. The duet “A Bed This Cold,” with the distinctive vocals of Lonesome River Band’s Brandon Rickman, is another winner on an album full of them. The a cappella “I Still Pray” is a hair-raising finish to a strong album.

One reason for the tight sound is the all-star cast she has backing her clean, sweet voice. Justin Moses on resonator guitar/mandolin, Aaron McDaris on banjo, Mike Bub on bass, Jerry and Maggie Salley on harmony vocals, Jason Roller on guitar and fiddle, and vocal contributions from Rickman, Michael Rogers, Donna Ulisse, and Josh Swift make this project too big to fail. (Mountain Fever Records, 1177 Alum Ridge Rd. NW, Willis, VA 24380, www.mountainfever.com.)MKB