The latest CD releases reviewed

ALLISON MOORER
Mockingbird New Line Records ****

A few weeks ago Shelby Lynne released a smoldering corker of a set of Dusty Springfield covers.

Now her sister steps out with an equally beguiling collection of covers, albeit by a range of women. This is no easy journey through well-trodden territory. Tackling songs such as Kate McGarrigle's nakedly emotional Go Leave (written for ex-husband Loudon Wainwright III) and Gillian Welch's haunting Revelator, June Carter's RIng of Fire, Patti Smith's Dancing Barefoot änd Nina Simone's I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl, is setting yourself up for a big fall. Having producer/guitarist whizz Buddy Miller directing operations helps, but such big songs demand a big performance. However, both production and singer deliver. We could quibble with the string section on Go Leave, but Moorer's smoky voice has never sounded so realised, so controlled, so powerful and so personal. www.allisonmoorer.com

Download tracks: Go Leave, Revelator, Daddy Goodbye Blues

PETE CUMMINS
The Brilliant Architect Sidekick Records ***

Anybody putting together a history of Irish rock would do well to consult Pete Cummins. Since the heady days of the 1960s he has been a fixture on the Irish scene with bands such as the Fleadh Cowboys. And yet Cummins has never managed to release an album of his own. The Brilliant Architect remedies this and, typically, Cummins wears his badges of influence with pride. Dylan is there, Muddy Waters takes a bow, and a host of other influences, from roots rock to country soul, are cited in this well-produced 11-track collection. (There's only one cover, of Johnny Cash's Train of Love.) The styles wander all over the place, but the playing is first class, Ed Deane, Ger Kiely, Trevor Knight shining in front of the rock solid rhythm section of Fran Breen and Tommy Moore. A personal milestone, it radiates the simple pleasures of good music and good feeling. www.myspace.com/petecumminsfleadhcowboys

Download tracks: Damaged Man, Burning All Your Candles, Bad End of the Creek