Martha Scanlan spent much of the last decade touring the country with the old-time string band Reeltime Travelers. The band’s demise has brought about a turning point in Scanlan’s career, but if “The West Was Burning,” her solo debut, is any indication, going it alone will suit her just fine. Produced by Dirk Powell and brimming with the brilliant songwriting that won Scanlan the 2003 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest, “The West Was Burning” also features guest appearances by The Band’s Levon Helm and Ollabelle’s Glenn Patscha and Amy Helm. Scanlan’s haunting vocals resonate on the album’s title track and on her startling cover of Bob Dylan’s “Went to See the Gypsy,” while the soulful, gospel-influenced “Get Right Church” calls to mind a Deep South tent revival. Listeners are also treated to a live rendition of “Seeds of the Pine,” a tune that beautifully reflects Scanlan’s old-time roots. There is no doubt that fans of Reeltime Travelers were alarmed when the band decided to call it quits, but “The West Was Burning” should offer them a large measure of relief; Martha Scanlan and her rootsy Americana shouldn’t be going anywhere for a long time.

-Dave Stallard