By David Malachowski
Reviewer

ARTIST: Sara Milonovich

ALBUM: “Daisycutter”

New York-based Sara Milonovich has carved out quite a niche for herself with her violin, playing with Pete Seeger, Richard Shindell, Anne Hills and Leslie Ritter and Scott Petito (this cd was recorded at Petito’s NRS studios).

Produced by Greg Anderson, Milonovich certainly keeps good company with musicians like Viktor Krauss, Abbie Gardner, Eliza Gilkyson, Lloyd Maines, Natalie Hass, and the aforementioned Petitio, all chiming in.

“Country Life” is a compelling Celtic-bluegrass cross that sets the tone here (with a nice banjo solo from Crooked Still’s Gregory Liszt). “Under The Weather” is what Nashville would sound like if it was a just bit smarter. “Fiona’s Breakdown” is the requisite fiddle reel here, where Milonovich shows her formidable chops over a clever self-penned tune.

“Northern Cross” is a haunting tale of “I’ve gone running from the devil/sometimes I’ve beaten down his path.” A curious cover of King/Goffin’s “Pleasant Valley Sunday” (yes, the song the Monkees sang) is a high point, proving once again the power of a good arrangement and vocal delivery.

Often a side-person, Milonovich moves to centerstage with ease.

Visit www.saramilonovich.com.

David Malachowski is a guitarist, producer and freelance journalist living in Woodstock. The Freeman seeks CDs by local artists or artists appearing locally for review. Please send all CDs (please no CD-Rs or demo CDs) to Daily Freeman c/o Preview, 79 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401.

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1. "Country Life"

2. "Under the Weather"

3. "Fiona's Breakdown"

4. "Northern Cross"

5. "Pleasant Valley Sunday"

6. "Insanity Street"

7. "Last Dance"

8. "No Sweat Helene"

9. "The First Snowfall"

10. "Willie Taylor" Continued...

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11. "Here Comes the Flood"

12. "The Lake Arthur Stomp"

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