Search - Donna Ulisse :: When I Look Back

Passionate vocals serve up memorable lines in impressionisti

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 10/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 49:56 -- Donna Ulisse moved to Nashville in 1980s and was signed to Atlantic Records. Her 1991 album "Trouble at the Door" launched the singer's career that led to national television and many other appearances. While no longer with Atlantic, Ulisse was encouraged to find her true voice through songwriting. Thus, "When I Look Back" is a visionary expedition of rediscovery for a talented singer who has chosen a bluegrass-based foundation for her original songs, five written independently and nine others penned collaboratively with Marc Rossi, Rick Stanley, Claire Davidson, Kerry Chater, and/or Lynn Gillespie Chater. Donna's inspiration stems from personal experiences or those of family and friends. "The Walls Cry" tells an emotional tale inspired by a friend's difficult divorce. "She Goes Sailing" relates the story of her Italian grandparents who spent five years apart during their immigration to America. Evocative personal reflections are related in songs like "I'm Calling Heaven Down," "I am a Child of God," and "If I Were."



A tribute to a hard-working, industrious Clinch Mountain relative, "She Needs Time" exclaims that "there just ain't enough hours to get it all done." Born in Virginia, Donna was playing in a western swing band when she met her husband Rick Stanley, a cousin to Dr. Ralph Stanley. I sense a bit of self-introspection when Donna sings about resting tired shoulders and easing a weary mind. Her liner notes admit that the music business has led her on a merry chase to find herself. Her maturity and energy now manifest themselves nicely in this engaging acoustic repertoire. Donna's strength is her ability to speak to today's emotions with songs like "Heartbreak River" and "I Want To Grow Old With You." The bluegrass drive is perhaps best captured in her distinctive and catchy "Doin' Time," while "If I Were" is flavored with Celtic instrumentation. More typically, her passionate vocals serve up memorable lines in impressionistic songs. Background vocals are delivered appealingly by Keith Sewell, Curtis Wright, Wendy Buckner Sewell, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, Rick Stanley and herself. "When I Look Back" is also tightly crafted with the stellar musicianship of noteworthy Nashville session players Keith Sewell, Byron House, Andy Leftwich, Randy Kohrs, Scott Vestal, Jesse Cobb, and John Mock. The total package is one that intrinsically communicates Donna Ulisse's artistic vision and ideal place for her voice. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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