CD Review: Sundown Till Dawn – Loretta Hagen<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />....

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I had taken a stack of recent CD submissions to the office to begin the reviewing and cataloguing process.  A big package from Hudson Harding Music included the new Loretta Hagen CD Sundown Till Dawn.  As the disc loaded into the computer, I wandered through the liner notes and web-site, looking at the photos of this new (to me), but well established artist and her band without any idea what to expect.

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What I got when I opened Sundown Till Dawn was a magnificent voice, tight arrangements, insightful lyrics and a terrific variety of styles, all in 12 well crafted songs.  The supporting cast of musicians is superb and the production is crystal clear, but it’s that wonderful alto that will get you.

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Sundown Till Dawn is a listening pleasure.  The album supports the diverse writing and singing talents of Ms Hagen, ranging through old school “pure” folk (Longing for Home), blues (School Bus Driver), new country (Mirror Mirror) and lyrical (<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />....Hello.. ..Mountain...., Sundown Till Down).  And yes, you may detect a touch a Mary Chapin Carpenter in some of the selections.

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You can find out a lot more about ....New Jersey....’s Loretta Hagen at www.lorettahagen.com.  Buy a CD too, if you’re so inclined. They’re available from the website or CD Baby – you won’t regret it.

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Steve Clarke

Host: Acoustic Planet on Erin Radio

www.erinradio.ca