A Tale of Two is a tale of Nashville’s return.
Nashville-based, award-winning vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitarist Aaron Lessard released their debut 6-song EP on 17th September, and it is hard to believe this is a debut. In fact, A Tale of Two is a tale of three in that they are joined on every track by fiddler Kyle Pudenz. The three create slow bluesy, rootsy folk that does not stray too far from the Grand Ole Opry.
Opening track ‘The Letter‘ showcases the close harmonies and dobro skill from the beginning. ‘Blood or Wine‘ explains that’s The Tale of Two are all about the outlaw folk, harking back to the country-rock of Bon Jovi’s ‘Dead or Alive‘ while keeping it entirely acoustic. The EP has simpler silly love songs, too; ‘Ain’t Nothin’ but a Fool‘ is a languid swing-time song lead by slide guitar and fiddle with incredible pauses for acapella harmonies. The vocals come from guitarist Lessard on ‘Waitin Forever After‘, which has a gypsy-folk feel, and ‘Chicago Lightning‘ the bluesiest number on the record. The EP concludes with the country lullaby ‘Stay With Me‘, a haunting song with more lilting melodies than a faded fairground.
It is inspiring to hear a Nashville band with old-time songs and genuine talent, a particularly positive trend. Perhaps the Tennessee golden days are resurging; only time will tell.
