Nashville country duo sings with terrific passion

Keith Burns (previously of Trick Pony) and Michelle Poe form this unabashedly mainstream Nashville duet, but beneath the grooming, market trending and AOR production, you can hear real passion in their vocals. Burns sings with the husked edge of Don Hensley (and the chiseled looks of a model) while Poe has a clear, soulful tone that works both as a lead and harmony voice. Their material doesn’t break any new ground – sunny days, broken hearts, the healing power of love and a man’s love of trucks – but their talent and enthusiasm are truly infectious. Beyond the singles (“Don’t Get No Better Than That,” “How Long is Long Enough?” and “Second Chance”) there are many rewarding album tracks, including the sharp kiss-off “Life’s Too Short” and the bluesy rocker “Gone as All Get Out.” The fourteen tracks are split between two CDs, with the second disc given over to duet arrangements. The latter disc opens with the conversational back-and-forth of “Second Chance” and culminates in a live medley that salutes Kenny & Dolly, David & Shelly and Sonny & Cher. Producer Mark Oliverius balances the interests of radio and roots, mixing big guitars with quieter twang (including some chiming 12-string on “Move On”), showcasing the vocalists on everything from power ballads to gentle weepers. Burns and Poe are talented singers with an artistic vision that’s polished, but not subverted, by Nashville’s commercial demands. [©2011 hyperbolium dot com]

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