With her last effort, Heaven To Heartache (2011), Boston based singer songwriter Susan Cattaneo threw her Stetson into the crowded country crossover market with an album that oozed class.

Just 18 months on she's keeping her profile high by releasing her third and follow up album Little Big Sky. But be warned, it's a 'mini' album that runs to just 7 tracks over 24 minutes. Whether we're being short changed, or simply treated to an 'interim' release won't become clear until the pricing structure emerges when it's released in August.

But never mind the pricing, feel the quality. Once again the album is recorded by Lorne Entress (Lori McKenna), and seasoned veterans Tommy White (pedal steel) and fiddle player Glen Duncan (Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless) provide much of the icing on the cake.

And it's another radio friendly set that ticks all the blues, rock, country and soul boxes, falling marginally on the commercial side of artists like Blame Sally, but without approaching the cheesiness of the likes of Shania Twain.

Susan's vocals are warm and honeyed, the production is great, the songs are catchy, and the playing terrific. The perfect stepping stone from Heaven To Heartache and onwards to success.

****

Review by Pete Whalley