The pain and ache in Gauthier's music comes from her own life's jagged edges and gutting experiences, from adoption and isolation to addiction and trauma. As a chronicler of bad luck and hard times, Gauthier has carved out a particular place of emotional honesty and immediacy in the Americana world. Trouble and Love, her studio first album in four years, tells yet more tales of survival and struggle with new rays of hope and growth piercing the caverns of hurt. Co-produced by Grammy Winner Patrick Granado, the musical talent that backs her on this album is similarly top-notch, a handful of Nashville's unassuming best, including Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Ashley Cleveland, the McCrary Sisters, and Duane Eddy. Mary Gauthier's music exemplifies a clarity of vision and ability to turn agony into beauty.