Gypsy Flat Road

Gypsy Flat Road

Track Listings

1. Gypsy Flat Road

2. Family Name

3. Where I'm From

4. Violet Eyes

5. Springtime Indiana

6. Ticket Home

7. Curse The Flower

8. Steel And Magic

9. Trade My Love

10. By Your Side

11. Now And Then

12. Close Of The Day

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Sandra McCracken's songwriting on her second independent release is a natural movement toward the sounds and stories of Americana music. The record is driven by Sandra's stirring vocals and acoustic guitar sounds as it flows gracefully from song to song, framing the bittersweet lyrics of family and nostalgia. The album was produced with the same musicians throughout, and recorded as a band so as to capture the charms and imperfections of a live performance. It maintains the accessibility of honest folk music, while combining the textures of bluegrass and country rock. From Garret Buell's ambient percussion on the title track, to the wails of Bucky Baxter's pedal steel on "Steel & Magic," this record may be hard to categorize for the record shelves, but it's effortless for the ears.

Tracks:

I: Allegro Maestoso (Cadence: Sauret (Abbreviated))
II: Adagio Espressivo
III: Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
Carmen Fantasy, Op.25
Introduction Et Tarentelle, Op.43
Zigeunerweisen, Op.20

Customer Reviews:

Masterly Paganini.......2006-07-27

Well, this performances have a span of more than 25 years. The Paganini concerto was recorded in 1972 and the Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate was recorded towards the end of 90s. That said, the performances are masterly and vigorous. In the Paganini, Perlman has stiff competition in Vengerov (my favourite), but these are brilliantly played. Don't hesitate, buy it!

Average customer rating:

Affectionate and Poetic Songwriter
An intelligent, subtle, beautiful album
Incredible album

Gypsy Flat Road
Sandra McCracken
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000BY7WC
Release Date: 2001-09-14

Tracks:

Gypsy Flat Road
Family Name
Where I'm From
Violet Eyes
Springtime Indiana
Ticket Home
Curse The Flower
Steel And Magic
Trade My Love
By Your Side
Now And Then
Close Of The Day

Album Description

Sandra McCracken's songwriting on her second independent release is a natural movement toward the sounds and stories of Americana music. The record is driven by Sandra's stirring vocals and acoustic guitar sounds as it flows gracefully from song to song, framing the bittersweet lyrics of family and nostalgia. The album was produced with the same musicians throughout, and recorded as a band so as to capture the charms and imperfections of a live performance. It maintains the accessibility of honest folk music, while combining the textures of bluegrass and country rock. From Garret Buell's ambient percussion on the title track, to the wails of Bucky Baxter's pedal steel on "Steel & Magic," this record may be hard to categorize for the record shelves, but it's effortless for the ears.

Customer Reviews:

Affectionate and Poetic Songwriter.......2005-09-01

As another reviewer mentioned, I read Sandra's name in the liner notes of Caedmon's Call "Back Home" album. Her songs are poetic and deal with, among many things, what she thinks of as the greatest story ever told: the Christian journey from death to life. Strong folk sensibilities are found throughout the album in her gentle and sometimes uptempo acoustic guitar, banjo (courtesy Derek Webb), occasional accordion, piano, and moderate electric guitar overlays.

I have grown to appreciate this album, my fondness growing with repeated listenings. Though, the reason I decided against 5 stars (which ought to be reserved for those rare, timeless albums-and if possible I would have assigned this 4 1/2 stars) is because I sense some of the individual songs are not as fully realized and well-rounded as they could be. There are some moments on the album where her voice is too subdued or timid in comparison with the instruments.

However, this disk is certainly not without its standouts. The title track "Gypsy Flat Road," "Springtime Indiana," "Trade My Love," and "Violet Eyes" are exceptional, the lattermost being one of the most deep and well-crafted folk songs I've heard recently, and able to rival any classic Dylan tune.

An intelligent, subtle, beautiful album.......2004-09-10

I found out about Sandra McCracken from the liner notes of Caedmon Call's "Back Home" album. As I was reading the lyrics to several of the songs, I discovered that my favorite songs on the album were written by Sandra. I was amazed at the artistry, nuance, and insight of the lyrics and the beauty of the music, a rare find in Christian music circles. I looked her up on the Internet, hoping that she had released her own album, and purchased "Gypsy Flat Road" as soon as I found it. I was not disappointed. Sandra's voice is wonderful. Her guitar playing is impressive. Her lyrics are thought-provoking and honest. I highly recommend this album!

Incredible album.......2004-01-01

On this her sophomore album Sandra McCracken deftly tackles themes of grace, family, love, redemption, nostalgia and grief. McCracken expounds on these in a subtle way so that the songs unfold upon repeated listenings... from "Now and Then" (an interpretation of Psalm 139), to "Springtime Indiana" (a lovesong with "six verses about having nothing to say"), to "Trade my Love" (an honest look at compassion and grief).

McCracken's voice (which has found comparisons to the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris) lends itself perfectly to the acoustic songs and the sparse but ample production fits the songs and subject matter together.

All in all an exceptional piece of honest quality songwriting.

Music Review: