March 2013 marks another milestone for Australian (Blue Mountains) singer/songwriter Karen Lynne with the release of her tenth recorded album project Shine Your Light. Karen’s style has spanned country, bluegrass & Australian folk music across the years but has always been rooted in the very traditional of the three. This album returns her to the heart of Bluegrass, but shows a new side to her, that of her faith. It is a wonderful example of traditional Bluegrass Gospel music and sets a new benchmark in Australia. Her album was recorded in Nashville at the studios of iconic country singer Tom T. Hall & his songwriting & life partner Dixie Hall, following an invitation from them after becoming the first official Australian ‘Daughter of Bluegrass’. She received this honour after contributing a song to the recently released USA “Pickin’ like a Girl” project, which was certainly a landmark in her recording career so far. From the opening acapella strains of the Carl Jackon/Jim Rushing penned Little Mountain Church House to the high energy closing bars of Jerry Salley’s Send the Angel’s Down, it’s probably the most authentic Bluegrass release in Australia to date. The project uses some of America’s best Bluegrass musicians including Josh Williams (guitar), Randy Kohrs (resonator guitar), Tim Crouch (Fiddle & Mandolin), Mike Bub (Double Bass) & Aaron McDaris (Banjo). Taking producer role this time was Jerry Salley, who it’s plain to see loves bluegrass gospel music, and the quality of his work shines through brightly. Jerry also shares vocal harmonies along with Nashville gospel singer Val Storey, who’s beautiful voice is a highlight in itself. Shine Your Light also includes wonderful interpretations of two fine songs from the pen of Tom T. and Dixie Hall, ‘He Loves to Hear You Shout’ and ‘Walk Slow’, showing why they are one of the most longstanding, prolific and outstanding country gospel music songwriting teams today. These two songs are not only great songs, but they feature champion Australian banjo player Martin Louis on Banjo. As well as the signature up-tempo Bluegrass tracks there are a number of gentler more reflective tracks, including a wonderful acoustic version of the Dolly Parton penned ‘Coat of Many Colours’ which features Country Gospel singer Stella Parton on vocals. The duet was arranged by Dixie Hall as a surprise for Karen after hearing the bed tracks being recorded. It shows Stella’s most generous spirit and Karen hopes it will encourage more Australians to seek out her musical catelogue. Says Karen, “Having Stella singing with me on this song, written by her sister, about their mother, was an incredibly special moment for me, not to mention a lot of fun,… once I got over the surprise!”. Another highlight is a duet, ‘Where Jesus Is’ with well respected & awarded Bluegrass Gospel singer/songwriter Daryl Mosley, whom Karen met at the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival nearly ten years ago. It’s apparent that the duet took a few years to organise, but is definitely worth the wait. Daryl currently tours with the Farm Hands Bluegrass Quartet as well as having a couple of top class solo albums to his credit. Says Karen, smiling, “I’ve made a great record, with the best people and for all the right reasons”. Karen Lynne is proud of her twenty plus years in the business, she knows what’s important in her life and what success really is. This album showcases Karen in a new light – and as the album title proclaims, ‘Shine’ she does. This project is quite rare and unique in Australia, these songs are sung from Karen’s heart of hearts and it’s this that possibly makes it the best thing she’s ever done. www.karenlynne.com