Blue Pony 
Artist: Julie Miller 
Label: Hightone Records 
   
When she appeared on the CCM scene a few years back, Julie Miller was often compared with Leslie (Sam) Phillips.  Now, like Ms. Phillips, Julie Miller has left the CCM marketplace behind to release this album on a mainstream label. The freedom which that change of label has given Julie is obvious, as the lyrics now speak so openly of pain, hurt, and doubt. 
   
Much has been said about Julie's child-like voice, and that voice really struck me here.  Julie is helped out in the vocal department by her husband Buddy, Karen Peris (The Innocence Mission), Steve Earle, and Emmylou Harris - which will certainly help in the credibility stakes. All the vocalists are good, but it took me a while to warm to Buddy Miller's voice.  Buddy also plays guitars and various other stringed instruments, and is joined by musicians like Matt Slocum and Phil Madeira.  The sound fits neatly on the new country/pop landscape - not far from bands like Son Volt, but without the rockier side. 
  
Julie has lyricist credits on all the tracks save "Face of Appalachia," and Bill Mallonee pops up as co-writer on the final track, "Last Song." The lyrics are well-written, bringing in strong imagery and sly observations throughout: 
   
Turn the lights up baby gonna close my eyes 
Don't want to see the situation out of disguise 
I run my fingers down the scar 
I breathe it in like air I drink it down like wine 
Then I sit and I stare at the scene of the crime' 
(from "A Kiss on the Lips") 
   
Julie and Buddy Miller have recently toured with both Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle, and are quickly growing in stature within country music. This album is certainly a good introduction for any country/roots fans wanting to jump onto their bandwagon. 

By James Stewart