Album Review of
Don't Be Afraid

Written by Duane Verh
October 1, 2016 - 12:00am EDT
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Starting an album off in a slow tempo can be a risky affair but Tami Neilson’s vocal power promises a payoff early on which she soulfully delivers on this set’s haunting title track.  Soon thereafter, the Canadian singer/songwriter shows off the other half of her potent one-two punch with an old-school country torch tune worthy of Patsy- “Lonely”.  These two threads intertwine throughout a succession of tasty tracks, primarily penned or co-penned by Ms. Neilson.  Other standouts include “If Love Were Enough”,  “Holy Moses” and “Bury My Body”.  Major props to her band for maxing out their small group format with fresh and varied change-ups and striking vocal backups. One of the year’s best.