Last Will & Testament
Self-Released, 2020
10/10
Listen to Last Will & Testament
A career sidewoman who has played bass and sung alongside Hayes Carll, John Moreland and Sunny Sweeney, among others, Bonnie Whitmore has recently stepped to the front of the stage with a solo career that puts her vast skill on full display, and this sophomore album on her own easily puts her hat in the ring as Americana artist of the year.
Whitmore starts the album with title track, where soaring, gospel vocals lead into her bluesy, country, stylish brand of rock where seductive vocals steer the retro fun, and “None Of My Business” follows with a calmer display of sublime song craft where Akina Adderley’s soothing backing pipes complement the dreamy setting.
At the midpoint, “Asked For It” moves loudly, with no shortage of melody as gang vocals aid the sing-along quality to the fiery tune that addresses rape culture, while “Time To Shoot” simmers softly, initially, before building into a orchestral friendly and ebullient delivery of power that’s fiddle friendly, too. “Imaginary”, one of the more quirky tunes, then injects random noises into a darker climate where Whitmore’s strong pipes radiate a charming familiarity.
Near the exit, “Flashes & Cables” puts a fresh coat of paint on a Centro-matic tune with Whitmore’s inimitable execution, and “George’s Lullaby” finishes off the listen with piano acrobatics and violin amid the breathy ballad that’s as romantic as it is timeless as Whitmore pays tribute to her friend and mentor, the late George Reiff.
Certainly steeped in the rootsy side of rock, Whitmore also touches on country twang, blues, pop and even subtle jazz here, while she lyrically pulls no punches with the subject matter surrounding suicide, terrorist attacks and racial injustice. A protest record of the highest caliber, Last Will & Testament excels on all levels and leaves us inspired in its flawlessness.
Travels well with: Skylar Gudasz- Cinema; Karen Jonas- The Southwest Sky And Other Dreams