Billed as “the most philosophical project I’ve ever done,” Appalachian Blues is the latest offering from Stella Parton. Going by her first name is a way of sidestepping the coattails issue, but it’s not really necessary. By now, her career has lasted almost as long and been almost as varied as sister Dolly’s, and though there are occasional similarities in vocal style, they’re hardly predominant.
Appalachian Blues reflects its “philosophical” bent mostly through nostalgia (“Up In The Holler”) and sentiments (“Child Of My Body”, “I’ll Think About Shadows”, “I Draw From The Well”) that, in their direct simplicity, lie confusingly close to the glibness of self-help literature. That’s hardly new in even great country music — a point driven home by a cover of “Satisfied Mind” — but it will probably be troubling, if not insufferable, for many listeners.
What redeems the album is the strong acoustic flavor of the music, capped by contributions on two tracks from Earl Scruggs and his sons. Stella writes strong melodies, and they’re fleshed out by some solid musicianship, notably on three cuts co-produced by Wanda Vick (“Satisfied Mind” and a fine reading of “Wayfaring Stranger” among them). Appalachian Blues is hardly a must-have, but it has its moments.