Ms. Ulisse, related by marriage to the Stanley Brothers, shows her familiarity with both Bluegrass and country music here, and those who grew up with both should appreciate this enjoyable record that was produced by Bryan Sutton & Ms. Ulisse. The 13 songs here include several notable numbers made famous by the artists who influenced her most as she grew up: Loretta Lynn's FIST CITY, Dolly Parton's IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN TIMES WERE BAD, and Tammy Wynette's YOUR GOOD GIRL'S GONNA GO BAD. These all work nicely thanks to Ms. Ulisse's interpretations and the tasteful employment of some top Bluegrass musicians: Scott Vestal (banjo), Rob Ickes (dobro), Bryan House (bass), Andy Leftwich (fiddle & mandolin), and Sutton himself on lead guitar. The Bluegrass influence shows up nicely in Donna's versions of IF THAT'S THE WAY YOU FEEL and HOW MOUNTAIN GIRLS CAN LOVE, both Stanley Brothers favorites. Ms. Ulisse adds an unusual but interesting treatment of I HOPE YOU HAVE LEARNED (from Bill Monroe's repertoire) and she includes another fine gospel song that she learned from her dad, WAIT A LITTLE LONGER PLEASE JESUS. Nice job.
