Angela Easterling - Earning Her Wings

Working bit by bit over a period of two years Angela Easterling had amassed a lot of material. She took all the pieces to James O'Connell, drummer and producer of L.A. roots-rock band West Coast Grand and owner of Silverlake's Monkey Den Studios.

Together, they waded through her tracks, recording new songs and remixing old ones for Earning Her Wings. 'This record represents such a slice of my life for the last few years!' she says. "All my friends (who just happen to be stellar musicians) helped me make this album. It was a real family affair and I think you can hear that in the final product.'

Tracks include River Jordan; about 'the music that's in my blood'; and Dear Johnny, which 'Always gets a big response. Everybody seems to miss Johnny Cash.' Angela wrote The Accordion with Shawn Davis, but the story is true: 'My dad really did trade a truck for an old accordion! Thats so country I had to sing about it.' Feel Like Drinking features an outstanding pedal steel performance by Chris Laurence, who plays the same guitar featured on many classic Nashville recordings, including those of Loretta Lynn.

The 1940s-era When I Wake Up, is the only non-original on the album. Angela had cherished the song for years but only recently discovered that it was written by distant relative (and prolific gospel song writer) Marion Easterling. 'He had songs recorded by the Kingsmen, the Gaithers, Johnny Cash and Ralph Stanley. I'm so proud to share his name and sing his song.'

Listen to samples:

• River Jordan
• Earning Her Wings
• Feel Like Drinking
• Toy
• The Accordion
• Eyes Of A Fool
• Truck-Drivin' Man
• Cowboy
• Dear Johnny
• Long, Gone, True
• When I Wake Up (to Sleep No More)