A mainstay of the Tucson music community for more than 20 years,
acclaimed singer-songwriter Nancy McCallion has created an excellent
new album that couldn’t be more timely.
The 12 country, blues, rock and Celtic-influenced songs examine the
struggles of America’s working poor and homeless populations. (A dollar
from each CD will be donated to the Primavera Foundation.) A veteran of
the Mollys and Last Call Girls, McCallion also faced a personal
economic crisis when she was temporarily laid off from her teaching
job. Although she emerged safely, she nails the voices of quiet
desperation.
Among the musicians assisting are guitarist Danny Krieger, bassist
Steve Grams, drummer Ralph Gilmore, accordionist Kevin Schramm and
former Mollys partner Catherine Zavala.
The opening one-two punch of “He’s Gone” and “Good Old Days” look at
loss with wry humor. But the CD really hits its stride—and proves
its diversity—in its middle. The gentle Celtic touches of the
title track, which will remind listeners of the Mollys, gives way to
some charming dustbowl country-blues on “It’s Never Too Late to Get
Lucky.” That’s followed by “Cruel Thing,” in which alt-country meets
swamp rock. And “Who’s at the Window” places McCallion’s sweet voice
against a dark musical landscape highlighted by booming baritone guitar
and aching fiddle.
This article appears in Nov 19-25, 2009.
