Rhiannon Giddens performed at the Coen brothers’ promotional concert for Inside Llewyn Davis, and she so impressed T Bone Burnett with her talent that he offered to produce her on the spot. He helped choose the classic American songs, working like an old-school A&R man (i.e., Artist and Repertoire). Patsy Cline’s urban-country “She’s Got You” and Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s gospel-blues “Up Above My Head” are perfect choices for Giddens’ flexible, nuanced vocals. With a backup band similarly top-notch—including legendary Funk Brothers percussionist Jack Ashford and veteran Nashville session bassist Dennis Crouch—Giddens is surrounded by star power. Yet Giddens shines brightest.