Ampersand Records

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New Jersey–based singer-songwriter and guitarist Sheila Vee has pursued a varied career in music. A founding member of the Magnolia Street String Band, she also leads the Sheila Vee Band, the Sheila Vee Bluegrass Band and strapping on a Telecaster, formed the Grateful Dead tribute band Big Foot County, also she performs with Disciples of the Dead. She wears her influences on her sleeve throughout this debut solo album. It typifies Sheila’s unpretentious approach to bluegrass and country music, a sound so authentic it sounds like it originated with a forgotten cache of classics that were only recently unearthed. Yet given the fact that this disc is comprised entirely of her originals, it’s an impressive introduction all the way around. The overall vibe of the record is less bluegrass than country, designed to open the eyes and ears of people who may not be aware of the great music that can be created by blending genres. Sheila has written songs of a high vibration with veteran bluegrass musician Bob Harris in the producer’s seat to craft them in the studio. Together they add hints of cosmic Americana yet keep it true to the music’s tradition. This consistency provides an anchor for the material and album, allowing them to toy with different and diverse arrangements. Glowing with eclectic colours and woozy rhythms, Sheila presents a charming insight into her world. 

With a spacious and clean sound, Sheila and her studio players, including producer Harris on guitar, mandolin and piano, alongside bluegrass legends Michael Cleveland, Rob Ickes, Andy Leftwich, Scott Vestal, guitar legend Erik Holmblom plus musicians from her own community—Dave McDonald, Liam Bornovski, Dan Whitener, Lawrence Haber, Joe McGuth, Brandon Revilla, Gary Oleyar and her sister Rita Shukla on harmony vocals—are able to employ different line-ups for each song to create diversity. There are so many joyful moments. Andy Leftwich’s fantastically rhythmic and widely varied bowing on Roll Like Thunder linked with Scott Vestal’s five-string propulsion, is a case in point. 

They create a vibrant and balmy atmosphere on Days To Dust with warm guitars and Sheila’s tender vocal. Her most personal song, this one flows like a gentle spring rain, offering hope to those toiling in an uncertain and unsettling world. The interplay between fiddle and Dobro is magical as you’re constantly flooded with wave after wave of warm tones. Like much of Sheila’s material, Dreamin’ bears a strong country influence, with expressive vocals on this should-be country classic. With Gary Oleyar’s fiddle and Liam Bornovski’s pedal steel very much to the fore this packs in a heap of honky-tonk vibes and earnestness just perfect for the sawdust floor. A couple of the songs are in-the-pocket bluegrass: Throw Me A Line with catchy handclaps and a cappella harmonies in the final chorus, not to mention the weird lyrics and In My Arms, which is a more straightforward positive break-up song. In contrast Nowhere To Lay My Head is a sweet saunter through an aimless and somewhat empty life. Andy Leftwich’s mournful fiddle and Liam Bornovski’s pedal steel add sensitive support to Sheila’s plaintive vocals. RIDE is a confident debut that shines with its subtlety as much as its easy-on-the ear choruses and memorable melodies. 
 

https://sheilaveemusic.com

November 2026