On the eve of two of the Netherlands' most important Americana festivals (Blue Highways & Roots of Heaven), it is surprising that not only Holland's own artists (for instance Charley Cruz and The Lost Souls, H.T.Roberts, J.W. Roy, Bart Jan Baartmans) are overlooked, but also Europe's premier Americana artist by the name of Markus Rill. That's a real shame because this German singer-songwriter has proven with his previous albums Gunslingers Tales ('97), The Devil and the Open Road ('99), Nowhere Begins ('01), The Hobo Companion ('04), and Hobo Dream ('04), that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Americana.

The last disbelievers will be won over by his magnificent new album The Price of Sin. Once again, Markus went to Nashville to make a record. Over there he worked with Fats Kaplin, Dave Jacques, Bryan Owings, George Bradfute and Dave Coleman. These are world class musicians who enjoyed helping him in the studio - just like Rachel Harrington (new album out soon), Jim Stringer, Karen Poston, Todd Thibaud, Elliot Murphy, Roger Wallace, Duane Jarvis, Bob Delevante, Steve Conn have enjoyed being on stage with this talented European guy. Rill even gave some much appreciated performances at the recent SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

With twelve brilliant songs bathing in a serene acoustic atmosphere, Markus Rill has managed to record his best album yet. I cannot remember having heard a better and more tasteful mix of pedal steel, banjo, mandoline, dobro, slide, several guitars, harmonica and accordion - and all these ingredients are in harmony with the gravel-and-sandstone voice of the master himself.

The whole album is one beautiful performance inviting you to listen to these songs which convey emotions strong enough to melt even an iceberg.

In the first song, Singin' In The Cemetery, Markus casts a loving look back on his deceased mother, in The Price You Pay For Sin he is full of shame and regret after seducing his best friend's wife.

There's a bit of bluegrass to enjoy on Me & Bonnie Parker while Carry My Load will make lovers of country, blues, and gospel happy. Just So You Know, Broken Puppet, My Love Runs to You, Fade to Blue are true gems holding up in any comparison to the better songs of Townes Van Zandt, Tom Waits, John Prine, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Steve Earle.

This is an record which no doubt will end high on the scoreboard of best productions of 2006 - a true beauty of an album.

4,5 out of five points