Karen Peck & New River

No Worries
Daywind Records

“No Worries” is a mostly acoustic recording produced by Mark Fain for Karen Peck & New River. It’s not a bluegrass CD though.

And while there are some bluegrass roots oriented on certain songs, a few brass instruments, electric keyboards, electric guitar and studio vocal effects are thrown in to broaden the overall stylistic scope.

“Bend in the River” borrows the descending musical motif from “These Boots Were Made for Walking” and punctuates the choruses with brass. It’s a fun opening number featuring Karen Peck Gooch.

“Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” is the sort of lyric that sticks in your brain. Stephen Hill wrote the song and sings backup along with Jeff and Sheri Easter and the YMCA Intercity Choir: “We can’t all be right. We can’t all be wrong. We’re just different singers in the same old song.”

“While I Still Can” features Devin McGlamery and speaks of the importance of being there for your children. This song was particularly meaningful for McGlamery because his baby boy was born just a few days after it was recorded.

Everyone should smile when they hear “I Can See Clearly.”

Yes it’s the old Johnny Nash song set to an island rhythm. In characteristic style, Peck Gooch pours all her emotion into “Why Should I Worry.”

“Ready for the Ride” features unusual vocal effects processing and is the result of the combined songwriting efforts of Tony Wood, Jim Brady, Belinda Smith and Barry Weeks.

“In the Meantime” is a midtempo track featuring the clear alto voice of Susan Peck Jackson.

Other song titles from “No Worries” include “This Is Living,” “Special Love” and “The Hour I First Believed.” The emphasis on acoustic instruments should help distinguish “No Worries” from other titles in the Karen Peck & New River library. It’s well-crafted, memorable and engaging on several levels. (David Bruce Murray)