An Evening with the Cantrells

National Public Radio favorites Al & Emily Cantrell cast a magical spell with their airy, joyful acoustic songs. Emily sings in a fluid, jazzy style reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, while husband Al plays off his wife's Martin guitar with spirited fiddling and a dazzling mandolin technique. "Emily simply has a beautiful voicea velvety, expressive, rich soprano in a class with the best artists," says Bluegrass Unlimited. Her partnership with fiddle-champion Al has led to concerts in 36 states and Canada. Their four CDs include the talents of Bela Fleck, Tim O'Brien, Jerry Douglas and members of Riders in the Sky.
Al & Emily Cantrell put a pop spin on acoustic folk and bluegrass, with detours into Celtic, western swing and Americana. Chosen by Robert Redford to appear playing fiddle tunes in his hit movie "A River Runs through It," The Cantrells cast a magical spell with Emily's soaring vocals and Al's excellent musicianship.
In 1983, Al was invited to audition for a Boulder-based bluegrass band called The Tractors (not the same as the retro-country band of the 90's). The band's leader was Emily Cantrell, and two years later they were married. They have been performing together as a duo ever since, combining elements of folk, bluegrass, old time, western swing and whatever else suits their fancy into their own distinctive brand of acoustic country music.
"Fiddlesticks!" you say? Well, yeah, that, too. See photo. Their sound, their musicianship, their presence: they're one of a kind (OK, two).
April 14 in the Josephine Gray Parlor at Lake Street Church. $15.