Abbie Gardner and Anthony da Costa
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Bluesy country/Americana
Status:
Most recent release, Bad Nights/Better Days (2008)
See also:
Abbie Gardner's site
Comparisons:
Allison Krauss, Richard Shindell, Gillian Welch
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
Abbie Gardner and Anthony Da Costa appear to be made to make music together. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)
Recommended first album:
Bad Nights/Better Days (2008) is their duo debut
Recordings:
Bad Nights/Better Days (2008)
Bad Nights/Better Days
Release info:
2008—self-released
Availability:
See Abbie Gardner's site
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Abbie Gardner—dobro, lap steel, acoustic guitar, banjo, vocals
Anthony da Costa—acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, percussion, vocals
Guest artists:
Emily Price—cello
Oliver Hill—violin
Steve Kirkman—National guitar, vocals
Mark Murphy—double bass
Fred Gillen, Jr.—percussion, vocals
Mark Dann—electric bass
Produced by:
Fred Gillen, Jr.
Comments:
Abbie Gardner and Anthony Da Costa come together in a very appealing way on this album. The sound is rootsy and reminds me of the Robert Plant/Alison Krauss hookup but with a more unassuming male singer. These songs are sad, but honest and appear to come from the heart. "Down on my Knees" sees the pair trading phrases like it's all they've done for years to a yearning tune. "Pocket" moans, "at night I go to sleep and pray I don't wake up" while almost edging into Sixteen Horsepower territory. Not quite as scarily possessed by the evil that men can do however. "Let me die in your arms" is sad and quite lovely with some of da Costa's best singing. It's a staggering and honest album. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)
Thanks to stjarnell@yahoo.com for work on this entry.
