Jeannie Kendall

Many remember The Kendalls. In this duo with her father (the late Royce Kendall), Jeannie Kendall had a strings of hits (like "Leavin' on a Jet Plane," "Pittsburgh Stealers," "You'd Make an Angel Wanna Cheat," "I'm Already Blue," "Teach Me To Cheat," "Sweet Desire," "Thank God for Radio"). Their "Heaven's Just a Sin Away" was a number one country hit, crossed over to the pop chart in 1977, won a Grammy and took home the CMA Record of the Year award. The Kendalls' unique harmony gave them a contemporary sound with enough traditional flavor to win them many fans. Jeannie now steps into the spotlight with her first solo album, an all acoustic country and bluegrass project. Although her father passed away at age 64 in 1998, he is included on two cuts ("I Wonder Where You Are Tonight" and "Train of Thought"). The former is a straight-ahead presentation, but not hard-driving, high and lonesome. Besides Dan Tyminski, Adam Steffey, Barry Bales and Rob Ickes, other sterling guests include Ricky Skaggs, Stuart Duncan, Alan Jackson, Carl Jackson, Rhonda and Darrin Vincent, Pat Flynn, Bryan Sutton, Allison Moorer, and Ron Stewart. Percussion is offered by Kenny Malone or Milton Sledge on all but one cut, "Jack and Lucy," a duet that Jeannie sings with Steve Gulley. Another special duet on the project is a remake of the 1988 McCarter's hit, "Timeless and True Love," sung by Jeannie with Alan Jackson. Laurie Lewis' hit, "Love Chooses You," is arranged with angelic vocals of Jeannie singing with Rhonda and Darrin Vincent. The same trio harmonize on "The Color of Her Eyes," a beautiful song written by Mike Stults. Jeannie sings with Alison Krauss on another Laurie Lewis song, "Old Friends." This project began back in 1998 when Jeannie and Royce Kendall started recording an acoustic project with Alison Krauss' band, Union Station. It has taken four years and various recording sessions to bring the album to completion, but that is to our advantage because there is a lot of variety on this album. I wouldn't have minded hearing banjo on at least one or two cuts. Even if soft-driving banjo-less bluegrass with a country twist, light percussion and piano, may not be your main cup of bluegrassy tea, you'll find songs to peak your interest and grab your attention on this project. The choice of acoustic country material is excellent, with a nice mix of covers and new material. Every song is given a unique Jeannie Kendall treatment and arrangement, but they all have certain elements in common: stellar musicianship and beautiful vocals with Jeannie's divine voice always out front. I am very pleased to see such professional productions of this quality in the acoustic music market. This album deserves a place in your collection, and I hope to hear its tracks frequently on the country, bluegrass and Americana radio airwaves. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Have loved the Kendall's over the years, but Jeannie has just gotten better and better. So glad to have her recording again!!