THE MAGGIE VALLEY BAND
THE HARDEST THING
COLD WATER–HARDEST THING–BRING US BACK–LEAVE ME ALONE BABE–RAILROAD–MEANT TO BE LONESOME–RAMBLING JOE–HEY GIRL–SWEET KNOWS (WITH DAVID MAYFIELD)–ANGEL BAND
Sibling harmony is hard to beat when creating a memorable sound, and sisters Carol and Whitney Miller blend their stunning voices on the latest offering from The Maggie Valley Band, “The Hardest Thing.” Joining these young ladies, who add multiple instrumentation as well as vocals, are Al Moss on pedal steel, John Duncan on fiddle and banjo, Colby Guyer on drums, and producer David Mayfield on Melatron.
This material encompasses many facets of love, loss, and redemption with those ebullient harmonies front and center. “Cold Water” leads off, with a lover coming to grips with the fact that “I really should care more.” The title cut teaches dealing with adversity, where, sometimes, “The Hardest Thing” to do on the surface may lead to redemption and spiritual growth over a period of time. Al’s pedal steel adds a pensive touch to this heartfelt ballad. Trying to rekindle an old romance is the theme of “Bring Us Back,” and is punctuated by John Duncan’s banjo.
Nowhere, tho, is that exquisite harmony on better display than on our favorite cut, which closes the set. It is a beautiful rendition of the traditional gospel of “O Come, Angel Band,” and the vocals and instrumentation are what makes these young women so special.
Years of practice have paid off for Carol and Whitney Miller, and they’ve certainly come a long way from their days of busking in the streets of Asheville. “The Hardest Thing” is a magical collection, and a must-hear! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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