Esther Haynes - Moon Country (2013)

This album was conceived as a tribute to my dad, who came from Montgomery County, Tennessee, and hopefully will inspire others to think about their family roots. It encompasses various vocal styles, including four Hoagy Carmichael standards, an Alec Wilder bossa, two swing tunes, a country blues, a vaudeville tune, and one original. It is kind of relaxing, hence the title "Moon Country", (named after one of the Hoagy tunes), and is meant to evoke an imaginary place harkening to days gone by.

All tracks include Keith Grimes on guitar and slide guitar; Mac Cridlin on bass; and Pete Ragusa on drums (most tracks), and Esther on rhythm guitar (most tracks). Additional solos are by the talented Washington, DC-area musicians John Hurd on keyboard; Pete Chauvette, vibes; Buddy Griffin, pedal steel; Helen Hausmann, violin; Merle Johnson on mandolin; and Bob Spates on violin.

Studio production is by Richard Seidel; Mastering by Bill Wolf; Cover photo by Chip Py; Cover art by Dick Bangham.

Esther was recently accepted as voting member of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences).

Tracklist:

01. Old Devil Moon (2:59)
02. Moon Country (3:04)
03. Moon And Sand (3:34)
04. Dixie Lullaby (2:36)
05. Me And The Man In The Moon (2:57)
06. Memphis In June (3:17)
07. Treat You Right Blues (2:54)
08. Skylark (4:10)
09. Peach Pickin' Time In Georgia (3:00)
10. Sugar Moon (2:26)
11. In The Evenin' (When The Sun Goes Down) (3:12)
12. Tennessee Waltz (3:23)
13. Rockin' Chair (3:41)
14. My Window Faces The South (2:59)
15. Georgia On My Mind (4:39)