Julie Christensen

11 From Kevin: Songs Of Kevin

Wirebird, 2022

8/10

Listen to 11 From Kevin: Songs Of Kevin

The veteran songwriter and vocalist Julie Christensen (Flesh Eaters, Divine Horsemen) illuminates the songs of Kevin Gordon here, where the always diverse artist spans many genres under her roots rock umbrella that defies categorization.

“Find My Way” opens the listen and wastes little time making an impression with both grit and melody entering punk/folk leanings, and “Crowville” follows with a calmer approach that benefits from Chris Benelli’s precise drumming and Christensen’s bare but impactful electric guitar.

Elsewhere, the haze of “Gloryland” welcomes several backing vocals amid the post-punk spirit, while “Heart’s Not In It- Down To The Well” approaches country ideas alongside the expressive singing and slight twang. “Gatling Gun” then recruits a breezy Americana quality that’s a bit haunting but quite pretty, too.

Nearing the end, “Goodnight Brownie Ford” highlights Karen Hammock’s piano in a very dreamy album highlight, and “Rest Your Head” exits the listen calm, eloquent and full of soulful song craft.

Christensen cites Bonnie Raitt as a big influence, but you’ll also hear shades of Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits and Randy Newman, to name a few, as 11 From Kevin: Songs Of Kevin serves as fine introduction to a songwriter we should all be more familiar with.

Travels well with: Divine Horsemen- Hot Rise Of An Ice Cream Phoenix; Tommy Womack- I Thought I Was Fine