What Mitzi Cowell does on stage with an electric guitar is something
to behold—but she continues to evolve the most as a songwriter
and recording artist. When she left Tucson for Toronto to study
political theory in grad school, few expected her to be back after one
semester. It was her time in the Great North, punctuated by trips into
Pennsylvania to work on the Obama campaign, that spawned most of the
material here, which melds the personal with the political.
Opening with only acoustic guitar and Sabra Faulk’s subtle bass on
the title track, she combines lightness and innocence. “Free and
Brave,” part-mission statement, part-unwritten thesis paper, follows. A
kick-ass rhythm section of Nick Augustine and Gary Mackender on bass
and drums, respectively, joins with Mackender’s textured accordion and
Cowell’s straightforward vulnerability, wrapped around a hook that just
won’t quit.
Other tunes showcase more blues-oriented ensemble work with AmoChip
Dabney and Heidi Wilson on saxophones, and there are a few of Cowell’s
signature lead guitar licks here and there. There are also some killer
harmonies on the traditional “Wake Up, Rosie,” courtesy of Caroline
Isaacs and Laura Kepner-Adney of the Silver Thread Trio. But in the
end, this is pure Mitzi, wearing her heart and her art on her
sleeve.
This article appears in Jun 11-17, 2009.