The O California CD was released on June 18, 2025, but I just got a copy to review. The band includes Laurie Lewis on vocals, guitar, and fiddle, Brandon Godman on fiddle and vocal, George Guthrie on banjo, lead guitar, and vocals, Hasee Ciaccio on string bass and vocals, and special guest Sam Bush on mandolin. I can hear his rhythm chop on some tunes. The eleven tracks include five originals by Laurie, five traditional numbers, and one song, “Sweet South Anna River” by Alice Gerrard. The CD cover has two photos, one of the band members looking very small next to giant redwood trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the cover photo taken along the Georgetown-Coloma Road in the gold country in the foothills of the Sierras.

I first saw Laurie perform in the Grant Street Band long ago and have since seen her bands in many configurations. I even sat next to her in a jam once. Her music is rooted in old-time and bluegrass, but she often goes beyond those boundaries. This recording is no exception.

The opening track, “Look Down that Lonesome Road,” is traditional and learned from fiddler Gaither Carlton, who was Doc Watson’s father-in-law. Laurie has added some lyrics. Next is the title cut, an original by Laurie, which is an ode to the beauty of California but also a lament to what has been lost. The music has a bit of the feel of a Mexican corrido, including double fiddle by Laurie and Brandon. The next original, “My True Love Loves Me,” is a tribute to birds who carry the messages of love. I hear clawhammer banjo. “One Tiny Spark,” another original, evokes both the noise of the city and the solitude of the mountains and the place of humans in both. “Red Rocking Chair” is traditional with lyrics from Doc Watson. George sings lead and plays clawhammer again. Laurie’s song, “Voices of the Water,” ranges from the water within us to rivers, rain, creeks, and oceans. “Wheel of Life,” another original,  is about overcoming fear and taking risks. And it has the line, “And yes, folks, I’ve sung with Ralph Stanley.” The traditional “Fair and Tender Ladies” comes from RosaLee Watson, Doc’s wife, and is a lovely duet between Laurie and Hasee. “Hell Broke Loose in Georgia” is a traditional fiddle tune in C which spotlights Brandon’s tremendous fiddle chops. I think this version comes from the Skillet Lickers. Alice’s song, “Sweet Anna River,” uses the river metaphor for life and thus is a good fit for this recording’s theme. The river is in Virginia. The CD ends with the traditional “This Little Light of Mine.” The song is likely an African-American spiritual, though its authorship has been claimed by several different people.

As usual with Laurie, each song is carefully crafted with an arrangement that brings out the nuances of both lyrics and melody. All the musicians are highly skilled. I recommend this recording without any reservations. It can be ordered here.