Donna Ulisse - Walk This Mountain Down

Chuck Dauphin

Back in the summer of 1992, I absolutely fell in love with a song by a newcomer on Atlantic Records.  The name of the song was "Trouble At The Door," and the artist was named Donna Ulisse.  The song was steeped in some of Country Music's greatest traditions, but never clicked with the major players in Country Radio.  That takes nothing away from her talent, which fortunately has been noticed the past few years by people in the Bluegrass world. 

Her latest album is a dynamic showcase for those traditional-styled vocals, and to be honest---it’s all good! There's simply not a filler track on here.  I could write many words about every song on this collection, but you might get tired of reading.  Trust me, it's that good!

With those glowing words said, I will tell you that some of my favorites here include the lifting "In My Wildest Dreams," as well as the Dolly-esque "Poor Mountain Boy." She takes an emotional stance on "Love's Crazy Train," and turns into Loretta Lynn on the spicy "The Trouble With You."

The Gospel numbers are also very effective, with "Dust To Dust" and the title cut being among the best.  Scott Vestal's thumping banjo helps set the tempo for the latter, and the finale, "Levi Stone," is one of those haunting story songs that only an artist as traditional-minded as Ulisse could pull off.  Go get this one today, folks, you won't be disappointed!
 

For more about Donna, visit http://www.donnaulisse.com/