Texas Platters

Patty Griffin

A Kiss in Time (ATO) Recorded in January of this year, A Kiss in Time captures Austin songwriter extraordinaire Patty Griffin at the end of 2002's 1000 Kisses tour. The combination of superbly crafted songs, road-tested band, and a hallowed venue in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium equates to something quite special, and we're all lucky it was caught on tape. Of the many intense and inspired moments here, some of Griffin's early tunes stand out, especially the playful "Mad Mission," which features a guest turn by Julie Miller, and the poignant "Mary," with vocal help from Emmylou Harris. Another advantage to this live recording is the light Griffin sheds on her songs and herself through stage talk. Her credit to Bob Dylan and Todd Snider for the melody of the "send you on your way song," "10 Million Miles," is a prime example. A Kiss in Time also comes packaged with a bonus DVD, which is as entertaining as it is edifying. It's a chronicle of the 1000 Kisses tour, with behind the scenes footage and interviews -- a video scrapbook of sorts allowing Griffin's fans a closer glimpse at this gifted muse. Two full-length videos, the director's cut of "Chief," and a new, animated video for "Rain" round out this stellar release.