On
Tara Nevins' 1999 solo debut,
Mule to Ride, she displays the earthy, earnest singing and playing that she's known for with her group,
Donna the Buffalo. As with her work in the band, she accents her lilting voice and guitar work with flourishes of fiddle and accordion. With friends and guests like
Ralph Stanley,
Mike Seeger,
Christine Balfa, and
Don Rigsby lending a hand,
Mule to Ride has a fun, festive feel that seeps into every song, whether it's reggae, an old-time jam, or one of
Nevins' own songs. ~ Heather Phares