Lucy Kaplansky
Every Single Day

Review by Steven Stone
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  If all Lucy Kaplansky could do was sing she would still be a prodigious musical talent. Combining her outstanding voice with her superb songwriting skills produces an artist of the first order. If you think you've never heard Lucy, you're probably wrong. She was the singer on "The Heartbeat of America" for Chevrolet. She's also done back-up vocals for Shawn Colvin on her Grammy-winning Steady On album, as well as harmonies on Nancy Griffith's Lone Star State of Mind, and she's sung on all of John Gorka's albums.

Every Single Day is Lucy's third solo album for Red House. Beginning with "Written on the Back of His Hand," a song co-written by Lucy and Richard Litvin, this CD moves from one well-crafted and tuneful composition to another. Seven Lucy Kaplansky tunes join work by Paul Brady, Julie Miller, Steve Earle, and Ira and Charlie Louvin. Even among these august songwriters Lucy's own compositions hold up exceedingly well. "Song For Molly" which chronicles one of her visits to her Alzheimer-stricken grandmother when she was a child, is both poignant and beautiful.

Produced by Ben Wittman, who also plays drums and keyboards, Every Single Day boasts an all-star cast of players. Guitar-whiz Duke Levine, multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell, and bassist Zev Katz form the core band. Jennifer Kimball, Buddy Miller, John Gorka, and Richard Shindell add their voices to the accompanying vocals. Fortunately for our ears, this album is as sonically glorious as it is musical. David Glasser at Airshow Mastering has done his usual expert job of transferring the subtle dynamic nuances of the music to the final mix.

If emotionally sensitive, honest, and melodic music appeals to you Every Single Day is a CD you should investigate. You deserve to have Lucy Kaplansky in your life.

Enjoyment: 95

Sound Quality: 90