Amberlee Sheehan CD Review

Amberlee Sheehan
Old Love Letter
Self-released
****
Debut album featuring many different country styles
OLD LOVE LETTER is the debut album from Chicago based singer/songwriter Amberlee Sheehan. The album was recorded in Oak Park, Illinois by Scott Braam of the Chicago based rock band Braam. Amberlee and Scott co-produced the album, using their two styles of music to create a unique and rather impressive sound. The album features Zach Schroeder on mandolin and Angela Moss on fiddle as well as Scott Braam on acoustic/electric guitar and bass. The album combines traditional country with folk and rock to create something that will appeal to a wide range of music lovers. Patty Loveless was a huge inspiration for Amberlee whilst growing up; other influences include Vince Gill and Alison Krauss. Sleep Baby gets the album under way. Amberlee’s vocals have a thoroughly modern feel yet the music and style of the song is very traditional. The title song Old Love Letter is an up-tempo country song. Amberlee’s vocals are perfect and really suit this style of song. January Morning is a haunting song enhanced by wonderful instrumentation. A Good Man is more of a classic country song. Amberlee’s vocals make this song sound as if has just been dug out of the archives and is ten, maybe twenty years old. Whole Again is a slow paced country number. There are hints of the Dixie Chicks on this song. Reason To Sing is more of a traditional country/bluegrass song illustrated finely by the accompanying instrumentation. A Bird In The Sun features Paul Larson on harmony vocals. This is another enjoyable old style country song. I’m Still Here sees the mood change completely. This is a rocky country song with a heavier sound and style. Amberlee changes tempo with ease, her voice really suiting this fast paced song. My Heart Of Blue is a beautiful slow country song. The music is dreamy and Amberlee’s vocals float along effortlessly. Sweet Believer is a slow song, which allows Amberlee to show off her lovely vocals. This is a charming song with a strong country feel. Clear Blue Sky ends the album on a high. This is a great country song with a really old fashioned sound. Throughout this album Amberlee sounds truly amazing. Her vocals seem to suit a variety of different country styles.