Markus Rill has build his career - with or without his band The Gunslingers - on Blue Rose Records for a long time now. A lot of American "Americana" artists first touch ground in Europe with the help of this splendid label whereas German-born Markus Rill (just like his countryman Karl May) aims to do the opposite. His last album "Hobo Dream" (and the accompanying supplement "The Hobo Companion") were already greeted with exuberant reviews, and quite possibly "The Price Of Sin" will surpass this success. Personally I have not heard a weak album by this German counterpart of Ad Vanderveen and his latest CD demonstrates his unimpaired growth as a songwriter as well as his artistic development. 

Twelve very convincing songs explore all facets of the genre. In the CD booklet Rill thanks his session band of Fats Kaplin, Dave Jacques, Bryan Owings and David Coleman for their contributions and the pleasure he derived from playing with them. But do not assume that the pleasure is only Markus Rill's because the music on this CD provides evidence that the respect and joy is reciprocated by these first-class musicians.

This is a very beautiful and satisfying Americana album. I don't know how far the preparations for next year's Take Root festival have come but if Markus Rill will play, I will certainly be there.