Once in a Very Blue Moon is singer-songwriterNanci Griffith's third album. The sounds have become a little more country and a little less folk than her previous albums. Her first two albums were backed sparsely with instrumentation, but starting with this album, the whole complement of country-styled instrumentalists can be heard. Noted country musicians performing on the album include banjo player Béla Fleck and champion fiddle player Mark O'Connor. The title song was covered by Dolly Parton, who included her version on her Real Love album in 1985.
Critical reception
Vik Iyengar at AllMusic writes, "Nanci Griffith finds her voice on her third studio album, Once in a Very Blue Moon. This is the album where she established her musical identity – she is at home in many genres (which perhaps explains why she never gets played on formatted radio stations), and seamlessly blends folk, bluegrass, and country with a group of stellar musicians, including guitarist Pat Alger and a young banjo player named Béla Fleck." He concludes the review with, "This album marks the emergence of a major talent."[1]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Nanci Griffith, unless otherwise noted
^Once in a Very Blue Moon (liner notes). Nanci Griffith. Philo. 1984. Philo CD 1096.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
