Amanda Shires (1982) may be a relatively unknown name in the Netherlands, but in the United States the Americana singer/violinist has built up an impressive resume. She played in The Texas Playboys, Thrift Store Cowboys, with
Rod Picott and
Jason Isbell, with whom she has been in a relationship since 2011. In addition, Shires founded the country supergroup
The Highwomen in 2019, with
Brandi Carlile,
… Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby. On her own, she is now on to album number seven. Although her voice - with a sob reminiscent of Dolly Parton - lends itself perfectly to country, on Take It Like A Man she also dares other genres. Listen, for example, to Lonely At Night or outlier Stupid Love, on which Shires is accompanied by a quartet of soulful horns. Husband Isbell plays guitar on most of the songs, but also contributed to the hauntingly beautiful Don't Be Alarmed. It all contributes to an album that captivates from start to finish. (RME)more
