Donna Hughes..RR..Gaining

Donna Hughes
Gaining Wisdom
Rounder Records
BY JOE ROSS

Heralded as one of the best new singer-songwriters in bluegrass, this album, produced by Tony Rice, includes four new arrangements of original songs that Hughes previously released. Eight additional originals are on this album, along with two covers. Her adorned and relaxed presentation is incorporated with the modern instrumental consciousness of such stellar acoustic technicians as Tim Stafford, Rob Ickes, Mike Bub, Sam Bush, Ron Stewart, Wyatt Rice, Bryn Davies, Rickie Simpkins, Wayne Benson, Scott Vestal, Kati Penn, and Obil Perez. This is a very impressive cast that infuses her music with a great deal of enchantment. Hughes writes and sings moving and sensitive personal songs with a relaxed, refreshing, contemporary flair. BMP