People Talk
Big Kitty, 2023
8/10
The Nashville guitarist and singer-songwriter Lauren Morrow is certainly well versed in country sounds, but there’s also plenty of ‘90s rock and ‘80s New Wave to be absorbed across these memorable 10 tracks.
“I’m Sorry” gets the listen off to a gentle start, where Morrow’s alluring voice is met with Nick Buda’s agile drumming and Jason Morrow’s warm guitar, as a very powerful landscape unfolds, and “Only Nice When I’m High” follows with Ted Pecchio’s playful bass and Morrow’s diverse pipes guiding the roots rock.
Halfway through, “Looking For Trouble” recruits Carl Broemel’s well timed sax and soulful backing vocals for the richly textured album highlight, while “Hustle” is populated by Lloyd Green’s frisky pedal steel and Joshua Hedley’s much appreciated fiddle for the quirky, upbeat demeanor.
“Leona” arrives close to the end, and places Whit Wright and Phillip Sterk on pedal steel for the soft versus firm dynamics, and “Birthday” exits with Morrow’s gentle voice and spirited electric guitar in the bare but impactful finish.
Previously the front woman for the outfit The Whiskey Gentry, Morrow is carving out a significant solo career with this unique version of Americana, and it will be exciting to see what follows.
Travels well with: Jaimee Harris- Boomerang Town; Tiffany Williams- All Those Days Of Drinking Dust