Description:
The First Lady of "outlaw" breaks a twenty year silence with Out Of The Ashes, produced by long-time friend Don Was, a pivotal force in the return of this rich talent. Steady on with heartfelt passion and soul, Out Of The Ashes balances the bittersweet aspects of life with a yearning for renewal in the wake of husband Waylon Jenning`s death in 2002. Was has managed to work in elements of Colter`s piano demos, made at home over the past few years, and interestingly brought some previously recorded vocals from Waylon into the fold. Other guests include her son, Shooter Jennings, and Tony Joe White, with whom Colter duets on the White penned Southern country-soul piece "Out Of The Rain." The power of these recordings lay in the simplicity of the arrangements and the honesty in Colter`s voice, which is somewhat worn about the edges but just as potent as ever. She follows along the fringe of Americana`s vibrant musical quilt bringing gospel ("Please Carry Me Home", "His Eye On The Sparrow"), gritty blues ("You Can Pick `Em", "Velvet And Steel") and piano ballads ("The Phoenix Rises", "So Many Things") to the patchwork. And all the while proving she can express somber beauty as movingly as the bare, rock-infused roots of her country heart. Out Of The Ashes stands as more than just a pleasant surprise but a strong statement and fine album to boot. -- Robinson, Miles Of Music (Shout! Factory)
