To Emmylou … With Love

Attempting to emulate the an Americana goddess like Emmylou Harris is no mean feat, but the mostly unknown artists that contribute to To Emmylou do an especially impressive job of serving up songs associated with today’s reigning queen of country. While it’s made up of mostly less familiar songs — “Boulder to Birmingham” and “Red Dirt Girl” being the two that are better known — regardless, the performances are first rate, each capturing the gilded feel of Emmylou herself. “Timberline” is especially entrancing, performed here by a glowing celestial choir that calls its The Silver Lake Chorus, an ensemble clearly capable of conveying heavenly intents. Tall Tales and the Silver Lining’s robust version of the aforementioned “Boulder to Birmingham” manages to offer one of the few upbeat entries, but there’s nary a clinker anywhere to be found. Ashleigh Flynn, a contributor with a better known name, is especially effective on “Red Dirt Girl,” while Wire in the Wall’s twin treatments of the moving “Boy From Tupelo” and “Michelangelo” are also among the album’s most moving and melodious efforts. Naturally, Emmylou herself sets the standard, but there’s never a sense of competition with the template. Rather, each artist offers an individual imprint that allows these songs to stand on their own. As far as tribute albums go, this one is exceptional, and quite worthy of the originals.