Three Chords and the Truth (CD - 1997)

Personnel: Sara Evans (vocals); Murray Adler (conductor); Pete Anderson (electric guitar, Baja sexto, hand claps); Dean Parks, Kevin Dukes (acoustic guitar); Tom Brumley (lap steel & pedal steel guitars); Bucky Baxter (pedal steel guitar, dobro, mandolin); Doug Pettibone (guitar); Scott Joss (fiddle, mandolin); Skip Edwards (keyboards, piano, organ, accordion); Taras Prodaniuk (bass); Jim Christie (drums); Beth Anderson, Tommy Funderburk, Jim Lauderdale, Joy Lynn White (background vocals).

Recorded at Mad Dog Studios, Burbank, California.

Personnel: Sara Evans (vocals, background vocals); Dean Parks, Kevin Dukes (acoustic guitar); Jim Christie (drums); Beth Andersen, Jim Lauderdale, Joy Lynn White, Tommy Funderburk (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Judy Clapp.

Recording information: Mad Dog Studios, Burbank, CA.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Barbara Hein; Gary White; Murray Adler; Steve Moore .

Arranger: Pete Anderson.

Coming on like an up-to-date version of Patsy Cline, Sara Evans tosses her hat into the ring for best new female country artist of 1998. Surprisingly, with Three Chords and the Truth, she just may win. This disc rings out with an air of originality helped along by great tunes and solid backup musicianship. Producer Pete Anderson (of Dwight Yoakam fame) helps keep things pared down and centered, giving Evans the opportunity to shine. The title cut is a must for new country fans, while "Imagine That" calls to mind Billie Holiday. All in all, the title of this disc says it all. ~ James Chrispell minimize