After nearly twenty years of creating some of the most acclaimed and enduring modern folk of our time, singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer says she's "peeled back another musical and emotional layer" on her forthcoming February 23 album Before and After (Rounder), adding that "there is something unguarded and naked about this album." As with her fine 2008 album Geography of Light, Newcomer's penchant for opulent production, impeccable ear for melody and warm, inviting vocal style make Before and After a sterling example of contemporary adult songwriting. You won't find much out of place here -- but you'll also marvel at the detailed craftsmanship in each song, effortless if you weren't aware of the innate artisan-like skill at work in each detail.

As with her fellow musical travelers Mary Chapin Carpenter (who guests here), Rosanne Cash and Alison Krauss, Newcomer has honed her own particular style to perfection, comfortable in her own musical and emotional skin, spiritual observations and musical influences: from rootsy Appalachian instrumentation to lovely, classic folk/pop melodies. We're particularly fond of the dark undertow at work in the hazy shadows of "Coy Dogs" and the warm pulse beating in the lovely "Hush." "The joy and challenge in creating this album was endeavoring to be fearlessly uncluttered and subtle," observes Newcomer. We think she's succeeded beautifully. Recommended.

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Carrie Newcomer - Before and After sampler ("Coy Dogs", "Before and After", "Ghost Train", "Hush")