Coming full circle, Nanci brings back producer Jim Rooney from the Philo days and covers a range of classic folk songs. Some are well-known, others are somewhat obscure, but all are songs that Nanci felt needed to be heard. The resulting production is arguably her best yet -- it won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. She and the all-star supporting cast are in top form. Nanci's voice has rarely sounded better. The recording quality is clear and intimate, capturing the music perfectly. Together, the production, performances, and arrangements add up to serve each number very well. For example, it's hard to imagine how Kate Wolf's "Across the Great Divide" could be improved upon, and "Morning Song for Sally" is among the most sublime recordings Nanci's ever done. These and the many other superb cuts make this an essential album.

The OV|OR video is a must for any fan of great music. It's a concert film of her show in Austin, and features Nanci at her very best. She seems more mature than in her last live video -- not that she looks older (in fact, she looks better than ever), but her speaking voice is less girlish, she projects supreme confidence, and she's in firm command of the stage. Her guest performers are in fine form, including Emmylou Harris, Tom Paxton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmie Dale Gilmore -- and Don Edwards' yodel during "Night Rider's Lament" is thrilling. The technical qualities of the film are first-rate -- the photography, the sound, the editing -- the entire production is nearly flawless. Like the album, this video is essential.

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