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Mary Sarah and Friends – Bridges Review by Gary Hill Mary Sarah is only 18 years old. She sounds like a veteran country singer. She’s got an exceptional voice and this set showcases it by pairing her with some real country music royalty. Just about every song here works really well. Even when it doesn’t, it’s not about Mary Sarah’s performance. She’s pretty much beyond reproach here. This is not your modern country pop stuff. It’s traditional country music with a real passion and style. It’s also a great album. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

Jolene - Mary Sarah & Dolly Parton I’ve always loved this song. I’ve been enthralled by every version I’ve heard. This is no exception. They keep it pretty faithful. It’s energetic melodic country music with a bit of a pop rock edge.

Crazy - Mary Sarah & Willie Nelson This old school country classic gets a great duet performance here. It feels like it could have been recorded in the 1950s really. This is classy stuff.

Heartaches by the Number - Mary Sarah & Ray Price This number is even more old-school to my ear. It’s another great country rendition.

The Fightin Side Of Me - Mary Sarah & Merle Haggard Somehow Mary Sarah’s voice on this really makes me think of Dolly Parton quite a bit. This has a lot more energy and is another traditional country tune.

Texas (When I Die) - Mary Sarah & Tanya Tucker Another energized piece, this is a powerhouse old timey country tune. It’s got some rocking instrumental moments and it’s a lot of fun.

Go Rest High on that Mountain - Mary Sarah & Vince Gill Gospel and country merge on this traditional styled ballad. Although set in traditional country territory, this does have some more modern elements at play, too.

Rose Garden - Mary Sarah & Lynn Anderson There’s a real 1960s pop music vibe to this thing. The vocals at times make me think of 1950s rock and roll. This is high energy and I think I like this better than the original rendition. It’s a strong tune as delivered here.

Dream On - Mary Sarah & The Oak Ridge Boys This has a much more modern arrangement. It’s closer to a pop rock thing. It’s also a great song.

What a Difference You’ve Made In My Life - Mary Sarah & Ronnie Milsap I’m not overly crazy about this one. It’s got a bit too much of a pop music vibe. It feels a little too dated. Sure, the vocal performances are strong, but the song just isn’t that good and neither is the arrangement. If there’s one to skip, this is it.

Where the Boys Are - Mary Sarah & Neil Sedaka Although this isn’t country music, it’s a real winner. Mary Sarah’s voice really shines here. This comes across very much as a 1950s pop song.

My Great Escape - Mary Sarah & Big & Rich The first of three bonus tracks, this is very much an old school, mellow country ballad. It’s a powerful piece packed with emotion. The acoustic guitar solo has an almost Spanish vibe to it.

All I Want To Do Is Sing My Song - Mary Sarah & Freddy Powers Intricate acoustic guitar opens this. As it works out from there it’s a slow moving and pretty country ballad. It’s a classic duet.

I’m Sorry I really like the string laden arrangement on this classic piece. This is a really great version and adds a lot to the set.

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