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LAURA CANTRELL Humming by the Flowered Vine Matador ***

This third album by Cantrell, Wall Street analyst turned country chanteuse, kicks off inauspiciously with 14th Street, an irritatingly glib girl-fancies-boy slice of slight pop. But fears are unfounded as she, producer JD Foster and an accomplished cast wrestle themselves back into contention with a quirky collection of thoughtful songs that range from honky tonk to traditional folk, all with a cool tinge as befits a record dedicated to the memory of John Peel. Cantrell's voice has matured since her debut (Not the Tremblin' Kind), but could still be more expressive. She contributes four songs, the best of which are the softly intriguing Khaki & Corduroy and Bees. But this collection is more a testament to her tasteful singing, her eclectic taste in songs and her broad knowledge of musical roots.

[ www.lauracantrell.comOpens in new window ]

Joe Breen