Luther Dickinson And Sisters Of The Strawberry Moon
When it comes to Southern music, few artists are as passionate and authentic as Luther Dickinson. The multi-instrumentalist and songwriter is best known as a founding member of The North Mississippi Allstars, a band that has become synonymous with the sound of the region. But Dickinson is also a prolific collaborator, and his latest project, Sisters of the Strawberry Moon, showcases his love for Southern music in all its forms.
Who Are Sisters of the Strawberry Moon?
Sisters of the Strawberry Moon is a musical collective that brings together some of the most talented and respected female musicians from across the American South. The group is led by Luther Dickinson, who serves as producer and arranger, and features a rotating lineup of singers and instrumentalists.
The core members of the group include Amy Helm, daughter of legendary drummer Levon Helm; Lillie Mae, a fiddle player and singer-songwriter from Nashville; and Sharde Thomas, granddaughter of bluesman Otha Turner and a master of the fife and drum tradition.
Other musicians who have contributed to the project include Birds of Chicago's Allison Russell, blues singer and guitarist Mavis Staples, and singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kelsey Waldon. Together, these women create a sound that is both rooted in Southern tradition and forward-thinking in its approach.
The Sound of Sisters of the Strawberry Moon
The music of Sisters of the Strawberry Moon is a celebration of Southern music in all its forms. The group draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, including blues, gospel, folk, and country. But what sets Sisters of the Strawberry Moon apart is the way they blend these influences into something that feels fresh and new.
At the heart of the group's sound is Dickinson's production. His arrangements are layered and nuanced, incorporating everything from fiddles and banjos to horns and gospel choirs. But at the same time, he never loses sight of the song's emotional core. The result is a sound that is both complex and deeply emotional.
The women of Sisters of the Strawberry Moon are equally impressive. Each brings her own unique perspective and voice to the project. Lillie Mae's fiddle playing is at times haunting and at others joyful, while Amy Helm's vocals are powerful and soulful. And Sharde Thomas's fife and drum playing adds a sense of urgency and energy to the mix.
The Album: Solstice
In 2019, Sisters of the Strawberry Moon released their debut album, Solstice. The album is a collection of songs that celebrates the changing of the seasons and the power of music to bring people together.
The album opens with "Crying in the Streets," a song that was written by George Perkins in response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The Sisters of the Strawberry Moon version is a powerful and soulful tribute to the civil rights movement.
Other highlights on the album include "Like A Songbird That Has Fallen," a Lillie Mae original that showcases her haunting vocals and fiddle playing, and "Superlover," a funky and upbeat track that features Mavis Staples on vocals.
Conclusion
Sisters of the Strawberry Moon is a unique and exciting project that showcases the best of Southern music. The group's debut album, Solstice, is a testament to the power of collaboration and the way that music can bring people together.
Whether you're a fan of blues, folk, gospel, or country, there's something for everyone in the music of Sisters of the Strawberry Moon. So sit back, relax, and let their music transport you to the heart of the American South.
