Resilience
Origin, 2022
9/10
The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Josie Bello returns with her 3rd album, and she’s joined by Mike Nugent, Shawn Murray, Jim Small, Richie Guerrero and Shawn Dolan for the introspective effort.
Bello starts the 9 song listen with the warm and poetic “Rising”, where her gorgeous pipes are met with light percussion from Dolan and cozy guitar from Nugent, and the title track follows with a firm presence on drums thanks to Murray, as a thumping version of Americana unfolds with Bello’s eloquent storytelling.
Halfway through, “I Am Empty” lands in country territory, where Bello’s well timed organ aligns with some gospel influences, while “Love That’s Real” showcases her accordion skills in a playful and upbeat album highlight that’s immediately memorable.
Further down the line, “Coffee Shop Open Mic” offers a breezy version of roots rock that benefits much from a charming melody, and “Too Many Changes” exits the listen with Small’s soothing harmonica adding much to the lush and folk friendly climate.
Bello already made me a fan with 2021’s Have Purpose Live Long, and this outing is equally as well thought out, and again spotlights her strong attention to detail and universally engaging song craft that we could never tire of.
Travels well with: Josie Bello- Have Purpose Live Long; Jared Sims- Against All Odds