Dev'lish Mary

back in stock. 'dev'lish mary' is the solid third album from this sharp trio with a love and dazzling understanding of western swing, european cafe-era jazz, and heart-rending balladry. leaders elana fremerman (fiddle / vocals) and whit smith (guitar / vocals) have written one song each, and their original songs stand proudly alongside the other 14 assorted chestnuts they cover. that division makes clear their aims at being song interpreters first and foremost. they also choose material that allows them to chug along like the nifty little acoustic engine they are. among the guests are peter ecklund, whose cornet adds sassy character to three of the selections. a busy touring outfit for the several years preceding these recordings, the hot club of cowtown are strong enough as an ensemble to also be comfortably loose. the production is fittingly unobtrusive, captures the group's interplay with clarity and warmth.