Decatur's best storyteller creates another fine album of neoclassic folk music with a wide focus on the dark aspects of Southern history, living, and culture. Herring has never shied away from controversial issues, and the title track's uncensored description of the civil rights struggle is a thematic shocker but beautiful nonetheless. Recorded in Nashville, Camilla stands out from Herring's previous work thanks to the textured acoustic instrumentation. Joined by the underappreciated Fats Kaplin on various stringed instruments and Bryn Davies' rich upright bass, the album sounds authentically traditional. The sweet harmonies of Mary Chapin Carpenter and Aoife O'Donovan add another layer of beauty to the Eudora Welty-inspired "Traveling Shoes." With each successive release, Herring confirms her standing as a true folk visionary. (5 out of 5 stars)
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