The Vogts Sisters – Homeward

I have never heard music more beautiful than the high lonesome wail of Hank Snow when he sang to the sky nor the hymns as interpreted by vocal bluegrass artists like The Blue Sky Boys. It so seldom happens, this musical look inward, that I hang on to certain songs fervently, squeezing them almost to death with my love for them. Rita Hoskings’ “Coyote,” for instance, which rends my heart at the plight of those in nature whose only fault is that they are in the way of human progress. Gold Heart’s version of “Heavenly Home.” a hymn for the spiritual among us rather than just the religious. Seldom Scene’s superb take on a Herb Pederson tune, “Wait a Minute,” a cry of pain and loneliness.  

Recently I have added The Vogts Sisters’ “Wayward Heart.” I could add more easily because these young ladies have three albums packed with songs from the heart every bit as good as that. I know. I have listened to them many times and Old Time Noise through My Own Dixie to Homeward, they have remained true to their voices and their music. When I reviewed My Own Dixie (read it here), I focused on the vocal DNA siblings seem to have, from the Bolicks (Blue Sky Boys) to The Gatlins to The Everlys. Not all siblings have it, but when they do, whoo-wee. The Vogts have it. 

And they know how to use it. They were born to sing together (how profound is that?) and Maggie made sure they had the material. There is a maturity in her songwriting which might be why the album is self-produced. Again, ten solid originals presented Vogts Sisters-style, this time just the sisters and the songs. Low key but not lo-fi, they keep the songs close to the vest, singing from the heart. There is lonesome here, and happiness, and humility, but mostly melody and harmony. Supported by their instruments, of course. Both play guitar with Maggie on fiddle and Abigail on mandolin.

Lucky for you, samples of all the songs from all three albums are on their website, which you can access by clicking here.