Ana Egge – Sharing in the Spirit
With her latest studio album Sharing in the Spirit (her 13th) singer-songwriter Ana Egge has created a charismatic and appealing set of ten songs that deftly combines folk, country, rock, blues, and bluegrass elements in a quietly spectacular way. Like the vast majority of her work dating back to 1994 and the release of her first EP, the individual songs here respectively deal with the problems and struggles of life with a subtle and captivating touch that slowly mesmerizes and draws you in as a listener.
While Egge did not purposely intend to create a concept album with this particular record, which contains eight original compositions and two cover songs, the album nevertheless has a cohesiveness that almost makes it feel like she did. As she deals with politics, addiction, sex, and love amongst other subject matter with these tunes, she does so in such a masterful and understated way that each song in its own way, reveals her immense talent and strength as a songstress.
Particular highlights from this superlative record include the originals “Don’t You Sleep,” “Door Won’t Close,” “If It Were Up To Me,” “Where Berries Grow,” and the titular track as well as the two aforementioned covers – Ted Hawkins’ “Sorry You’re Sick” and Sinead O” Connor’s “Last Day of Our Acquaintance.”
Having come out as gay during her teen years, Egge had led a life full of perils while also experiencing firsthand music’s wonderful and awesome transformative powers. In that vein, Egge’s work has always been about celebrating individuality and humanity in general with an overriding sense of respect and compassion.
Sharing in the Spirit follows in this tradition and adds to Egge’s stellar reputation as one of our most talented and treasured singer-songwriters. Not only is it one of 2024’s best, its point of view, its grace, empathy, and warmth are a refreshing counterpoint to our chaotic and quickly judgmental and malevolent culture. Long may Ana Egge write, sing and create. We need her and more artists like her more than ever.
Sharing in the Spirit by Ana Egge was produced by Lorenzo Wolff and is now available on her website.
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Interview: Sharing In The Spirit Gives Songs Their Moment