Small Town Heroes

Leaving her home in the Bronx and traveling around the U.S., Hurray for the Riff Raff’s Alynda Lee Segarra eventually landed in New Orleans and hit upon a timeless acoustic sound that blends earthy delta blues, a rambling Crescent City swing, and Appalachian spookiness (lots of talk about death and guns). She’s joined here by her longtime fiddle player Yosi Perlstein, keyboardist Casey McAllister, guitarist Sam Doores, and bassist Dan Cutler, as well as a drummer and an occasional string section. But the music is rightly centered on Segarra’s dark, husky voice and tales of endless days on the road, dead-end love affairs, and life in her adopted hometown. Standout songs include the bluesy title track and the country and Creole touches of “End of the Line.” While the New Orleans shuffle on “No One Else” and “I Know It's Wrong (But That’s Alright)” might be expected, the addition of a string quartet on the stark “Levon’s Dream” and the murder ballad “Body Electric” is surprising and effective. It's an excellent new chapter from an artist whose songwriting has caught up with her exquisite voice.