Susan Werner
Kicking The Beehive
Sleeve Dog Records
www.susanwerner.com
By George W. Harris

Mixing country, blues, folk and a hint of jazz, singer/songwriter Susan Werner delivers a collection of 11 reflective and poignant originals. Produced by Rodney Crowell, with guest appearances by Keb Mo and Vince Gill, the Nashville sounding disc has Werner delivering stories opened blistered stories about raising a special needs child (“My Different Son”) and dying partners (“Doctor Doctor”) as well as an ode to the infamous Bonnie Parker. The team of Stewart Smith/g, Viktor Krauss/b, Bryan Owings, Paul Franklin/steel, Tony Harrlee/B3 and Mike Haynes/tp create a smoky and intimate atmosphere on the gentler tunes, but are also able to get a bit frisky, as on the good time “Red Dress.” Personal and accessible, Werner lets you into her world with a disc that feels like a friend.