June/July 2005.  #118 Dirty Linen page 83

Leela and Ellie Grace
self-released (2003)

This is a delightfully charming recording by sisters Leela and Ellie Grace, children of long-time folk performers Paul & Win Grace. The album offers up a nice mix of contemporary songs by the likes of Carla Sciaky, Dar Williams, Tim O’Brien, and Robin & Linda Williams, some traditional pieces, four original songs by Leela, and one by Ellie. The sisters work well in both worlds. The songwriter material tends toward social issues and is well balanced without being heavy-handed. On traditional material like “Shady Grove/Half Past Four,” the unaccompanied “Down in the Valley to Pray,” and the instrumental “Ducks on the Millpond/Julianne Johnson” (complete with percussive stepdance), they show a strong respect for the past as well. The two have strong, expressive voices that harmonize well together. The production by Pete Sutherland is modern and clean, with the sisters’ mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and guitar being lightly supported by electric/acoustic guitars, accordion, fiddle, and piano.  (JLe)