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CINDY CASHDOLLAR
Slide Show (Silver Shot)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson
Though you may not be familiar with her name, Cindy Cashdollar isn't just coming out of nowhere with this debut album. A steel guitarist with impeccable tone and all-around skills, Cashdollar's paid her dues for many years in the studio as a session artist for Manhattan Transfer, Artie Traum, Don Walser, Rosie Flores and Bob Dylan. She's been on so many Leon Redbone albums she ought to be considered a member of the band, and for nearly a decade she was a full-fledged member of Asleep At The Wheel. So why hasn't she done a solo album until now? Judging from that list, I'd say exhaustion.
Slide Show makes up for the long wait with a sparkling, shimmering, eclectic set of tunes and an impressive turnout of guest artists chosen for skill rather than name recognition. Cashdollar is a gifted player, capable of tearing it up but much more interested in the melody and textures, though anyone wanting proof that she can roller skate in a buffalo herd need only check out "Speeding West." The short but zippy tribute to (of course) Speedy West finds Cashdollar obviously having a good time sharing the steel chores with Asleep At The Wheel alum Lucky Oceans while Redd Volkaert does a fine job on guitar being Jimmy Bryant to their Speedy.
As fun as that is, the best moments are the ones when Cashdollar plays it cool, laying back and letting the songs breathe, then playing the sweetest, most breathtaking slide guitar without overwhelming the music. Johnny Nicholas is fantastic on "Milkcow Blues," and even though this is her album, Cashdollar sits back and gives him the spotlight, though her Dobro work couldn't be better. Song after song, with guest after guest, Cindy Cashdollar shows herself to be a player's player, unselfish and creative, and brimming with the kind of confidence that would allow her to open her solo album with a duet she recorded with the otherworldly-talented slide master, Sonny Landreth. "Sliding Home" definitely carries Sonny's stamp, but Cashdollar does beautiful work of her own all over that tune. In the end it's clear she's on equal footing with her guests. But then they knew that. The final word is all Cindy's. She's backed by Artie Traum and others on "Locust Grove," an instrumental tribute to the memory of the family farm where she grew up in Woodstock, with Cindy playing a hauntingly beautiful melody that is at once sweet and heartbreaking, ending the album on a contemplative note. Quite highly recommended.
© 2004 - DJ Johnson