Allison Moorer: The Hardest Part (MCA)

My, but Allison Moorer has grown up since her promising Alabama Song debut about two years ago. Then she sounded like an innocent in the wolves' den of Nashville. However, the country establishment has apparently not taken to her. Perhaps that is why the woman in The Hardest Part has materialised into a feisty, southern worldwise character, capable of channelling pain and reflection into a steamy mix of country, gospel and r'n'b. As with her sister, the wonderful Shelby Lynne, a tragic upbringing may in part be the cause of a voice etched in experience, a voice that is big and yet full of whispered tenderness and slurred vulnerability. Most of the 10 tracks were co-written with husband Doyle Primm and they range from the rootsy title track through the Orbison-like Best That I Can Do to the closing traditional tearjerker Feeling That Feeling Again. Recommended.

- Joe Breen

The Mary Stokes Band: Clouds in My Heart Live in Dublin (MSB 002)

Things may come and go but the blues band, thankfully, goes on forever. Mary Stokes has been following her 12-bar muse for many a year now, a fact that makes the freshness of this live Dublin recording all the more remarkable as she and her excellent band roll through a varied mix of Chicago standards, country blues and Stokes originals. Her singing is expressive and unhurried, particularly on Billie Holiday's Long Gone Blues, but also noteworthy is Graham Hynes, by day a valued member of this newspaper, but by night a measured and fluent guitarist around whose gritty solos each song seems to pivot. They are not alone: Brian Palm (harp) and Dermot Stokes (piano) add much colour, while the rhythm section of Eoin O'Doherty (drums) and Ken Matthews (bass) are right on the money. Supported by the Arts Council, this was public money well spent.

- Joe Breen

More CDs reviewed in tomorrow's Weekend supplement