Susie Hug

The draw of Wavelab Studio in Tucson, AZ is unstoppable lately, as more and more singer-songwriters seek out the hazy magic that Calexico and many other artists have conjured there. Former Katydids singer Susie Hug is the latest pilgrim, and that environment is the perfect match for the moody collection of songs that form the basis of Tucson Moonshine. Roping in Calexico as her backing band certainly helped a lot, and their dynamic approach turns out to be ideally suited to Hug's sultry vocals. Tracks such as "Cherry Blossom Hangs" and "Prison Of Your Heart" shimmer in dramatic fashion, with that patented Calexico mariachi trumpet adding the perfect touch to the former. Hug has taken some tips from Jenny Lewis, with her vintage folk pop styling, but as the richness of Tucson Moonshine unfolds with each song, it's clear this is an album that stands apart as the most entrancing work that Hug has ever done.