Lindsay Rakers Band: Wishing Well

The nominees for the Grammy Awards’ new Americana category only serve to further muddy the waters. If one takes the all-inclusive perspective, acts such as the Lindsay Rakers Band would fit right in. A band’s identity rarely folds comfortably into any one area, however. On Wishing Well, the Atlanta-based band struggles a bit with that concept, but creates some entertaining and diverse music in the process. Rakers’ distinct voice and enticing lyrics are enhanced by fiddle player and harmony vocalist Amanda B. Grapes, who gives the songs a clear reference point, as if channeling ’60s stalwarts It’s A Beautiful Day and early Jefferson Airplane. There’s a bit of twang thrown in, some bluesy stuff, and a couple of sweet ballads. After all, what is most Americana if not reheated country rock? (Self-released) 4 out of 5 stars.