Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line (on the Patio)

Harmony vocals, bluegrass instrumentation and some really solid fiddling distinguish Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line. The Party Line, Struthers' backing band, are a group of solid bluegrass players. Claw-hammer banjo, upright bass and even a washboard accentuate the singing. As musicians, the entire group really nails it. As songwriters, occasionally there's a bit left to be desired. While the precise playing is intact, occasionally the milquetoast and Pollyanna lyrical stories can leave you wishing Struthers would get her heart broken a little more often. Her newest album, Carnival, a clean-cut piece of Americana, is a strong offering of folksy songs. (Stoops)