Tracy Nelson

Like Janis Joplin and Bonnie Bramlett, Tracy Nelson was an earthy California mama steeped in soul and blues. In fact, her original band was Bay Area fave Mother Earth, a group basically on life support by the time this platter came out in 1972. Nevertheless, Tracy Nelson Mother Earth smolders with some gutsy vocal performances. Not unlike Mavis Staples, Nelson explores entire universes in her lower register, especially on the wondrous ballad "I Want to Lay Down Beside You." What a babe.

Country specialists don't approve of this--seem to feel it's cheating to step lively with such undeniable material. But only an inspired cheat would feature songs by Crudup, Willis, Scaggs, and T. Nelson on her country album. And only a paragon would sing them so sweet, direct, and strong. Nor would the mix of musicians--led by original Elvis guitarist Scotty Moore--occur to your everyday Nashvillian. Country, rock, who cares--eleven beautiful songs beautifully rendered. (Grade: A)