Allison Moorer - Mockingbird

 diamond in the rough
Allison Moorer is a welcome relief to all the craziness on the radio today. The songs are mellow and laid back, all are beautifully done and her voice overall reminds me of Paula Cole, most notably on Dancing Barefoot. Some of her song choices are a little off the wall, particularly Both Sides Now, but there's definitely bountiful talent here. May 9, 2008

 Mockingbird by Allison Moorer
Allison Moorer's new album," Mockingbird", is delightful. The new album features one original song written by Allison Moorer, (the title track), and 11 covers. All written by female singer-songwriters. She has material from June Carter Cash, Patti Smith, Nina Simone, Kate McGarrigle, Gillian Welch, Joni Mitchell, Ma Rainey, Shelby Lynne, Julie Miller, Cat Power, and Jessi Colter. Choosing to record only songs by females is certainly an interesting twist. I feel this collection of songs is a respectful tribute to the female songwriting genre. I think Moorer is an artistic voice worth hearing, she sings beautifully.
May 5, 2008

 Soulful and Folksy
The title of this album is very clever, Allison Moorer truly is a mockingbird. Her voice brings other artists to mind. "Mockingbird" and "Looking for Blue Eyes" are great. "Ring of Fire" and "Both Sides" fell a little short of the mark for me. The rest of the tracks are quite good, Allison Moorer is a chameleon. No two songs are sung in the same style, so there is something for everyone. All in all the album is a worthy listen. May 2, 2008

 nice surprise!
this was my very first Allison Moorer purchase. i am so glad that jumped and bought this cd. it is upbeat and a great listen. i was also pleasantly surprised by the song choices. it's fun to hear some of the oldie but goodies now and then. May 1, 2008

 I'm not a "Country" fan,
but this album really isn't "Country". However, Shelby Lynne's little sister has done herself proud. In this mixed bag of country, rock, folk, and blues, Allison Moorer has proven she's as good as any singer around. Why she hasn't gotten the marketing push is anybody's guess.........

We certainly do have country; the late Johnny Cash pretty much owned "Ring of Fire", and probably only a girl can get away with doing it now...the presentation has to be REALLY different. Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" is another 60s classic, but several have done it. Nina Simone was Blues royalty, and "Sugar in my Bowl" pays her full honor. "Orphan Train" and Ma Rainey's "Daddy, Goodbye Blues" certainly fit the same genre.

This is a fine album, all covers except for the title cut. As I explained in my review of Allison's sister's "Just a Little Lovin", that is Not a negative word for me. To cover Nina Simone is an honor, not a slam. Ditto the others. This is a fine record that I really enjoy...bet you will, too. April 29, 2008

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