Ollee Owens – Nowhere To Hide
This is another wonderful Canadian artist whose new album explores daily experiences, the resilience of the human spirit, an affirmation that one is worthy of the happiness that life offers (which her website outlines), Delta blues & Dylan. Ollee is a Calgary-based blues/rock singer who fills her music with expertise & soul swipes.
The 11 lively & imaginative tunes that have Nowhere To Hide (Drops Oct 25/Independent-Ollie Owens Music/46:31) were produced by Bobby Blazier (drums/percussion) & recorded in Nashville, TN.
Olle has the drive in her performance thrust that is conveyed through artists that are blues powerhouses like Bonnie Raitt, Karen Lawrence (“Bring It Home” & “Once Again” with 1994) & Tracy Nelson (“I Need Your Love So Bad”). It’s a delight to hear a voice that understands the genre & can project as strongly as Olle does without pontificating & showboating. It takes expertise, practice & above all a dedicated effort to the genre.
The title track “Nowhere To Hide” has snaky guitars almost in the tradition of Z.Z. Top as it winds around the Hammond organ atmosphere. They’re snarling & they hit their stride throughout. Many blues tunes have the habit of being played in a continual pattern of sameness. Not here.
“Solid Ground” & Still In Pieces” are indelible blues exercises born in the tantalizing soil of Etta James. Both are aching blues conveyed with power & crafted with style since each instrument that sneaks in for a solo is like tinsel on a holiday tree. They sparkle in their inspiring sound. These songs explore something many can relate to. “Solid Ground” is getting both feet steady in a firm place against whatever is thrown at you. Or you’ll find yourself in pieces. Pure blues. Love it.
Some tunes are good but typical of the blues assemblage. “Some Days” & “Love You Better” are mainstream blues that commercially adhere to the basics. It shows that Ollee knows how to not always bring in heavy machinery.
Blues & jazz have funny musical flavors. Each can appeal to a wider ear but it’s in the arrangement & approach. To appeal to a finicky audience an artist performing this music must understand both the theories of when to be Robert Johnson & when to be B.B. King. Ms. Owens understands this. With Bob Dylan’s “Lord Protect My Child” she dives deep into gospel that would put a smile on Mahalia Jackson’s face.
Highlights – “Nowhere To Hide,” “Solid Ground,” “Love You Better,” “Still In Pieces,” “Love Hung Around” & Bob Dylan’s “Lord Protect My Child.”
Musicians – Chris Rodriguez, Phil Hughley & Will McFarlane (guitars), Tommy Sims & Craig Young (bass), DeMarco Johnson & Gabe Klein (keys/piano/organ), Rahsaan Barber & Cord Martin (saxes), Roland Barber (trumpet), Joey Richey, Gene Miller & Minnie Pearl (bgv).
CD cover art courtesy of Travis Nesbitt. Color image & B&W portrait courtesy of Ollee’s website. CD @ https://olleeowens.com/
