Louisville’s Catherine Irwin co-founded the seminal alt-country group Freakwater with Janet Bean in 1989, establishing a distinctive twang that became the model for contemporary Americana, alt-country, and roots chanteuses. Little Heater, Irwin’s second solo album, was recorded like her live performances which include soaring harmonies with subtle touches of fiddle, pedal steel, bass, piano and vocals complete with soul baring lyrics that mine traditional country themes of lawlessness, love, and death. The album also features many guest appearances from musicians such as Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Tara Jane O’Neil (Rodan, Retsin), Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton (Ida), Marc Orleans (D Charles Speer & the Helix), and Jean Cook (Jon Langford, The Mekons). Irwin writes and sings with an effortless beauty making Little Heater a lovely, evocative album that touches the heart, the soul, and the intellect with equal force. Definitely worthy of a listen! – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Freakwater, Janet Bean and the Concertina Wire, Kelly Hogan & The Pine Valley Cosmonauts, The Sandpaper Dolls