Valiant Women
Bathtub, 2023
9/10
The New Orleans born and raised Jenn Howard brings us a sophomore album of Americana-soul sounds, where the singer-songwriter undergoes some serious self-reflection that retains all the hallmarks of The Big Easy in her song craft.
“Better Than You Think” gets the listen off to a lively start, where André Bohren’s animated drums and bright brass illuminate Howard’s gritty yet pretty voice, and it isn’t long until Ivan Neville’s presence on “On Microphone” makes for a soulful and powerful experience that also showcases Mike Robbins’ playful bass.
The middle spots belong to the intimate and warm “Hold On”, where Harry Hardin’s violin and viola add much grace to the stirring climate, while “Pocket Fox” spotlights Felix Wohlieben’s hypnotic guitar work that helps the tune build into an ebullient and fierce album highlight.
Close to the end, the retro feel of “Lay Down The Law” finds plenty of frisky grooves, and the title track exits with Howard also handling guitar on the bare, folk influenced finish that allows her diverse pipes to shine.
A very eclectic affair that tosses in folk, country, funk and blues, among other ideas, Howard is a woman with stories to tell that you’ll want to hear over and over again.
Travels well with: Amber Nicholson- Far Away Dreaming; Jaimee Harris- Boomerang Town