Evangeline
Evangeline (Margaritaville) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Evangeline comes up with a winner on its debut that also serves as the first release on Jimmy Buffett`s new Margaritaville record label. A five-woman, one-man group based in New Orleans, Evangeline`s sound is a hard-to-resist gumbo of country and Cajun, with a dash of spicy New Orleans second-line funk. Although the group has three strong lead vocalists, rhythm guitarist Kathleen Stieffel is the standout, whether plaintively emoting on the ballad ”Am I a Fool” or dueting with Buffett on Nanci Griffith`s ”Gulf Coast Highway.” Keyboardist Beth McKee steps up front for a saucy ”Rhumba Girl,” while bassist Sharon Leger pulls out all the stops on the Cajun stomper ”Bon Temps La Louisiane.” The group harmonies throughout are truly glorious, and are showcased on the a cappella ”By the Rivers of Babylon.” Is Evangeline too eclectic for country radio? Perhaps, but with music this vital, who cares?
Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Fair (STAR)(STAR)
Poor (STAR)