This week's Roots CDs reviewed

CHRIS STUART & ACKCOUNTRY
Crooked Man Backcountry Records****

Bluegrass has retreated back into its shell after a brief flirtation with the wider musical world following the success of the soundtrack from O Brother, Where Art Thou?. Even Alison Kraus, the queen of bluegrass, has moved on, perhaps temporarily, through her partnership with Robert Plant. But outfits such as Chris Stuart Backcountry continue to spread the faith (Christian – surprise, surprise) with their simple telling ballads, rich harmonies and strong playing. Stuart is both singer and main songwriter, penning 10 of the 13 tracks. However producer and banjo player Dr Janet Beazley, guitarist Eric Uglum, and his stepchildren Austin (bass) and Christian Ward (fiddle), give Stuart's storyteller songs such colour and life that this is truly a band's album, and a quietly impressive one at that. www.chrisstuart.com JOE BREEN

Download tracks: The Streets of Charlottestown, Ofer and Yesbuddy, Brunswick Stew