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By SHARON JENNINGS
The new album, Southern State of Mind, by Sugarcane Jane’s Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee, is the result of tireless work by these veteran Americana musicians.
Southern State of Mind is a departure from some of the previous albums these two have put out, as this 10-song full-length album moves through a range of emotions, destinations and moods related the southland and beyond.
Southern State of Mind is a celebration of all things that are southern as well as things that are universal in nature.
Overall, the pacing and style of Southern State of Mind is not what one may expect from the title. Each of the songs from this sample of Sugarcane Jane’s catalogue moves at a good pace and the order selection keeps the listener glued to the various selections.
Sugarcane Jane are Savana Lee and Anthony Crawford
From ‘Cabin On The Hill’ to ‘We Can Dream’
The album starts off with “Cabin On The Hill,” a fast-paced Americana tune that brings out the best in the voices of Crawford and Savana Lee. Crawford’s strength is his songwriting and guitar and Savana has the harmonies.
Three standout selections on the album are “Destiny,” “Rainbow” and “We Can Dream.” They’re different than the songs we’re used to hearing. “Destiny” is a fast bee-bop of a quasi-honky tonk number. What is it about destiny that leaves us powerless, seemingly at the beck and call of something out of our control?
“Rainbow” is a deceivingly simple song but it’s the delivery that matters here. It’s the kind of song you can sing as a lullaby to your child or hear on the stage of any rock club in America.
“We Can Dream” wraps the album on an emotional note but casting a glance to the future. It’s a reassuring song that points out that things are not as bad as people say.
We don’t want to give away the rest of the album, but as a complete collection, just put it on repeat and relax.
Southern State of Mind is an exquisitely produced collection. If you know anything about Crawford, you know his history as the sideman to some of the biggest musicians in the business; he’s worked with Neil Young, Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill and many others. He is a prolific songwriter.
Sugarcane Jane’s records are put out on ArenA Recordings, the label owned by Nashville’s legendary Buzz Cason. Cason produced their album, Dirt Road’s End, also on ArenA Recordings (2015).
All vocals on the album are by Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee, with additional vocals on “Destiny,” “Rainbow,” “How Do You Know,” and “We Can Dream” by Buzz Cason.
Best of the South Musicians Collaborate
All instruments are played by Anthony Crawford except banjo on “Cabin On The Hill” and “Campfire” and banjo and fiddle on Southern State of Mind, by Wanda Vick.
The vibes on “Rainbow” are by Parker Cason and additional percussion by Jon Radford. The album was recorded by Anthony Crawford at Admiral Bean Studio in Loxley, Ala., with overdubs recorded by Joe Funderburk at Creative Workshop in Berry Hill, Tenn.
The record is produced by Anthony Crawford and Buzz Cason, mixed by Joe Funderburk, mastered by Benny Quinn, photos by Neil Ladner and artwork by Keith Brogdon.
Southern State of Mind
1. Cabin On The Hill
2. Campfire
3. Man Of Fewest Words
4. Southern State Of Mind
5. Destiny
6. Rainbow
7. Red Flags Warning
8. The One Before Me
9. How Do You Know
10. We Can Dream
