Cherchez La Femme
Buxom County, 2023
8/10
The Texas singer-songwriter Karyn Oliver brings her timeless and relevant version of folk ideas to these 11 very thoughtful and female oriented songs.
The group vocals of “Lay Your Burden Down” opens the listen with Cheryl Prashker’s crisp drums and warm guitar complementing the comforting climate, and “Jenny” follows with an upbeat, rootsy flavor that benefits much from expressive singing and Carolann Solebello’s playful bass lines.
Halfway through, “Fabulous Flying Machines” pays close attention to atmosphere amid the emotive, dreamy musicianship, while “Pelican” recruits Heather Ewer’s tuba and Lynn Ligammari’s soulful sax for the rich textures.
Close to the end, the intimate “Dance With Me” makes great use of Dirje Childs’ stirring cello for the poetic album highlight, and “Cry Hallelujah” exits with a passionate variation of gospel that’s elegantly delivered.
A highly diverse and substantial listen, Oliver and company get both personal and political with this empowering and truth seeking song craft that is more important than ever in these divided times.
Travels well with: Laurie Marie- Too Sweet: Songs For Setting Boundaries; Erika Olson- This Is How I Pray