There’s a reason Whatever You Need sounds like more than Rosie & the Ramblers’ first full-length effort. For starters, they’re all well-worn professionals. Some might recall leader Selena Rosanbalm playing the title character in Always … Patsy Cline. The singer possesses a big, round voice, and she uses it superbly on self-written tunes both unflinchingly honest and patently humorous. That she’s backed by such vets as pedal steel guru Bob Hoffnar, guitar slinger Matt Thomas, and bassist Vance Hazen means solid sounds throughout plus several moments of glorious instrumental prowess. Check the way “Go Back to Stillwater” swings and the crafty jam that ends “Minivan.” Comparisons to near-traditional local country singers like Libbi Bosworth and Sunny Sweeney are apparent, yet Rosanbalm, particularly on the pointed “Shut Up” and “Tall, Dark And Lonesome,” keeps it modern by singing about troubles with a keen eye and a sharp tongue.
This article appears in August 15 • 2014.