#ShannonMcNally

SHANNON MCNALLY ENLISTS RODNEY CROWELL & AN ALL STAR CAST TO SUPPORT ON BOISTEROUS ‘BLACK IRISH’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

June 12, 2017
by Lee Zimmerman

Having originated in the most difficult of circumstances — after nursing her terminally ill mother and experiencing an exceptionally difficult divorce — Black Irish exudes none of the disappointment and despair one might have expected to result from such an unsettling scenario. In fact, it comes across as one of Shannon McNally’s most assured efforts yet, no small accomplishment given her long and accomplished career. With Rodney Crowell at the helm and an all-star cast in support — Emmylou Harris, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Elizabeth Cook on backing vocals, Cody Dickinson, and guitarist Colin Linden lending their instrumental expertise — McNally turns the album into a tour de force, one that expresses both her resolve and her resilience.


Of course having Crowell in the producer’s chair guarantees a certain amount of credibility to start with, and including songs by Stevie Wonder (“I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It”), J.J. Cale (“Low Rider”), Robbie Robertson (“It Makes No Difference”) and Guy and Susanna Clark (“Black Haired Boy”) also helps assure success. Still, it’s McNally’s study, decisive vocals that make the decided difference here. Likewise, her original tunes prove every bit the equal of her cover choices, and when she rocks to the hilt on the boisterous “Roll Away the Stone” and turns her attention to some sinewy R&B with “Banshee Moan” and “I Went to the Well,” her poise and posturing are simply stunning.

read more at: https://glidemagazine.com/186653/shannon-mcnally-enlists-rodney-crowell-star-cast-support-boisterous-black-irish-album-review/