Girl Friday #19: Buffalo Gal with Mule to Ride

Many readers probably are familiar with the band, Donna the Buffalo. A product of the Ithaca, NY region, they come to Northeast Ohio fairly frequently (just missed 'em last Thursday, in fact...what was I doing?!). I've seen them a few times in town here and at festivals, and always enjoy them, but the real attraction is in the band's spectacularly talented Tara Nevins.

Nevins' first love is old-timey music, and her fiddling and singing are equally passionate. She is also a purdy darn fine cajun musician. On her latest release, Mule to Ride, however, she really serves up some chestnuts -- John Henry, Raleigh and Spencer, Darlin' Corey (I believe since 2005 this tune has appeared on just about every new recording I've blogged...it's a good tune, but, SHEESH), Sittin' On Top of the World. I look forward to hearing her renditions of these more well-known tunes, but her previous solo albums I found most riveting because of her unique songwriting, her vocal delivery, and her darn fine fiddling.

About a month ago I was enjoying a show at The Kent Stage and talking with a fellow frequent Stage-goer, who indicated that Tara had finally split from longtime band partner and husband, Jim Miller. He is a very talented guitarist and banjo player, featured on Mule along with Ralph Stanley, Richie Stearns, Don Rigsby, Christine Balfa and husband Dirk Powell, Mike Seeger, John Hermann, and many others.

Here's a tune clip from the new album, Over My Shoulder. She's good for a single gal to have around, sing along with, aspire to.