SEQUIM — The Sweet Evangelines, the Sequim country-bluegrass duo of Donna Rankin and Rachael Snyder, have unleashed on the world a self-titled CD full of songs about life: its ups, downs, laughter and sorrows.
The album ranges from traditionals like “The Blackest Crow” to freshly written songs such as “Homesteading the Snake,” about Rankin’s grandmother, who grew up in the forbidding reaches of Hell’s Canyon in Idaho.
“There are songs that are downright funny like Rachael’s ‘Pretty Things’ and the Delmore Brothers’ ‘Singing My Troubles Away,’ ” Rankin said, alongside the dark “Dreadful Wind & Rain,” a number recorded a cappella at a single microphone with Rachael’s mother, Susan.
Guest musicians Cort Armstrong and Dave Keenan add their flavors to the record, which is available at www.CDBaby.com and by emailing thesweetevangelines@gmail.com.
Sweet samples
Samples of the Sweet Evangelines album, recorded by Bill Yates at Dungeness Community Studios here, also can be found on CDBaby and YouTube.
Snyder and Rankin met at a harmony workshop a few years back and discovered at least two things: They plain enjoyed singing together — and their blend of voices was easy on the ears.
Why “the Sweet Evangelines”? They simply liked the sound of it.
Debut album
This debut album, Rankin said, is the result of their shared passion for old-time music and harmonies.
“Music lifts our spirits in times of trouble and helps us celebrate the good,” she adds.
“We hope this album reminds you of the beauty and wonder of this world.”
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
