If sunshine could be recorded, it might sound like Ramblin’ Red’s debut record, “The Acorn EP.” With shiny rays of bluegrass and folk, the four women of Ramblin’ Red drop five songs on us — four originals and one commendable Dolly Parton cover.

Sorcha Cribben Merrill’s music, lyrics and lead vocals start it off with “Beauty and the Mystery.” Patia Maule’s fiddle sets the song up superbly. “Oh I get weak in the knees when you smile/ Oh I’m gonna feel this way for a long, long, long while” offers Merrill, along with her banjo.

Anna Maria Tocci’s “Over the Heights” is next, and the fiddle flows through it like a river. Tocci’s vocals are bright and full, and Merrill’s banjo is full of optimism. Meanwhile, Theresa Workman’s bass carries the song, and gorgeous harmony vocals from Workman, Merrill and Maule fill the song out. Workman penned “Sunny Saturday,” the perfect cup of cheer for any day of the week.

Ramblin’ Red took a risk in deciding to cover Parton’s jealousy tour de force anthem “Jolene.” The risk paid off with Tocci on lead vocals and Workman’s percussive banging on the side of her acoustic guitar. Add to the mix Maule’s determined fiddle and Merrill’s banjo and, yup, they’re winning on this one.

“Wide Open” closes out “The Acorn EP.” It’s another Merrill-penned ditty, and at just under six minutes long, it tells tales of old-fashioned heartache and forgiveness: “When you came to me like an unfinished symphony waiting for me to finish the score, you’re like an open-wide open seashore.” Merrill’s voice soars, and the harmonies are spot-on fantastic.

“Wide Open” is a slow and rambling tune with an old-timey flavor. It left me wanting more, so here’s hoping the ladies of Ramblin’ Red continue down the path they’re on and gives us a full-length album.

The Acorn EP is available on cdbaby.com and iTunes.

Aimsel Ponti is a Portland freelance writer. Contact her at:

aimselponti@yahoo.com

 

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