Bonnie Dobson & The Hanging Stars

This one came as as surprise when it was announced. While she’s had a few latter day backing groups, I’d hardly expected Canadian folk singer Bonnie Dobson to connect with The Hanging Stars for a full length. The singer-songwriter, often most noted for her song “Morning Dew,” has had storied career, cornering the kind of coffee-house folk that brought the genre attention in the ‘60s. The songwriter had all but retired by the ‘80s, but returned to the public eye at Jarvis Cocker’s Meltdown Festival in 2007. The appearance kick-started a new wave of music, culminating in work for the Hornbeam label and collaboration with several younger UK players that would be documented on her album Take Me For A Walk In The Morning Dew. For her latest, she furthers the UK collaborative template, splitting the marquee with The Hanging Stars for a full length that breaths life into new and old recordings.

Like her 2013 album, the record boasts some horn arrangements from Sean Read. Read and The Stars’ Richard Olson split most of the production duties here, and they hell steer the record as an extension of her latter-day work, dipping into both folk and country. With a focus on dazzling arrangements that never detract from the centerpiece soar of Dobson’s voice, Dreams feels like the culmination of what started on Take Me For A Walk. There are moments like “Stay With Me Tonight,” and the sunset hues of “Trouble” that feel the guiding hand of The Hanging Stars, but at it’s heart this is Bonnie’s show. The album works in it’s goals of introducing Dobson to a new generation, feeling akin to a modern Dusty in Memphis in the spirit of Wanda Jackson’s work with Jack White. ‘60s folk heads will be delighted here, but the record boasts just as much glow for fans of the new wave of cosmic country as well.

Support the artist. Buy it HERE.