(CMH) The Nashville Acoustic Sessions finds Raul Malo, frontman for The Mavericks, off on another side project- this time around joining forces (and providing lead vocals) with acclaimed Nashville session musicians Pat Flynn (guitar, mandolin, backing vocals), Rob Ickes (dobro, slide guitar, backing vocals) and Dave Pomeroy (basses). Additional musicians lending their talents on the album are Lenny Castro (percussion), Siedah Garrett (backing vocals) and Jim Hocke (harmonica).

True to it's title, this collaborative effort is a pared down acoustic disc of cover songs and is Raul's most country-centric work in a while. However, true to Raul's style, the mix is an eclectic one, reaching back to Jimmy Rodgers and Hank Williams while also drawing on the more contemporary work of Gram Parsons and Bob Dylan, and he tosses in stripped down versions of a couple of songs better known as pop standards.

Raul's vocals have long been compared to Roy Orbison's and so Acoustic Sessions opens with a cover of "Blue Bayou." While the similarities are obvious, Raul doesn't go for imitation, instead delivering a more subdued rendition that succeeds in conveying the song's melancholy sentiments. He offers up some affecting world weary vocals on a strong cover of Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain." They pick up the pace with a terrific toe tapping, bluegrassy version of The Louvin Brothers' gospel "The Great Atomic Power" and follow it up with a standout high lonesome rendition of Hank Williams' "Weary Blues From Waiting" on which Raul provides some of his best mournfully aching vocals. Next up is a cover of Bob Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" which gets reworked into a nicely done mid-tempo country number. 

The disc's halfway point offers up a laid back instrumental take on Jimmie Rodgers' "Waiting For A Train" that gives the stellar musicians their solo turn in the spotlight to shine. Pat Flynn and Rob Ickes again particularly shine, as do Raul's vocals, on a second Louvin cover, the mournful waltz "When I Stop Dreaming." Other highlights include a strong and hauntingly beautiful version of Gram Parson's "Hot Burrito #1" and an outstanding jaunty country-blues take on Van Morrison's "Bright Side Of The Road" that finds Raul delivering some delightfully soulful vocals. Though better known as a pop standard, "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" is nicely stripped down and given a smoky-torchy treatment where Raul's vocals ooze with 'lights turned down' romance. Pulling one way out of left field, they offer up another pop standard- Henry Mancini's classic, "Moon River." With minimalistic guitar accompaniment, Raul delivers a lovely, understated rendition. 

The easygoing arrangements and outstanding performances of all involved gives The Nashville Acoustic Sessions a warm, relaxed feel. It also continues to accentuate Raul Malo's stylistic diversity and proves he's one of today's best vocalists around. With The Nashville Acoustic Sessions, Raul, Pat, Rob and Dave have delivered a truly delightful album of classic cover songs that belongs in the collection of anyone who appreciates great music.         

Standout Tracks: "Early Morning Rain," "The Great Atomic Power," "Weary Blues From Waiting," "Waiting For A Train," "When I Stop Dreaming," "Hot Burrito #1," "Bright Side Of The Road," "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons"

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack April 2004