Danish pedal steel artiste Maggie Bjorklund puts together an A-list band for this masterpiece. Bassist Jim Barr (Portishead), drummer John Covertino (Calexico), guitar- ist John Parish (PJ Harvey collaborator) and cellist Barb Hunter (Afghan Whigs) all provide a solid yet frequently ethereal blend to Bjorklund’s evocations of the American West. Songs of yearning and introspection are alternated with soundscapes evocative of the pastels of a desert sunset. Not really country but definitely western, her beautiful playing and singing make this one of the year’s best releases. – David Arnson
Album Review: Maggie Bjorklund - Shaken (Score: 9/10)
