Circles & Arrows
After two promising but undeveloped albums and a couple of tunes that hit the country charts (courtesy of other singers' versions), Cheryl Wheeler made this album for Capitol/Nashville in 1990. Unfortunately, her label experienced a personnel shakeup just afterCircles & Arrowswas released, and the disc was lost in the shuffle. It was rereleased by Rounder Records on their Philo imprint in 1995. Produced by Kyle Lehning (Randy Travis) and featuring a full string section and guests such asVince Gill,Pam Tillis,Jerry Douglas, andMark O'Connor, this is blockbuster collection of songs. The soft "Aces" (a 1992 hit forSuzy Boguss), the pop tune "Hard Line to Draw," and the midtempo "Northern Girl" are Wheeler the songwriter at her best. The comical "Estate Sale" shows her emerging humorous side. The vocals throughout are also exceptionally strong. This is the Wheeler breakthrough album that, for a variety of nonmusical reasons, didn't break through.--Robert Baird