In her latest release Ginny Owens sings like she's comfortable in her own skin. Knowing that she struggled with the success that came with her first recording, that's no small thing. She performs here with a maturity and confidence that comes with time.
Live from New Orleans is a relaxed, stripped-down, jazz-influenced rendition of some of Ginny Owens' best songs. "I Wanna Be Moved" and "Free" benefit from the removal of the electronic wizardry that make the original versions now sound a little dated. The same could be said for "If You Want Me To," which is given new life with a slightly altered arrangement. It's a little risky tinkering with her biggest song, but I found myself enjoying it after the first listen.
"Call Me Beautiful" is one of those honest, confessional songs that make Ginny's songwriting so endearing. As she so touchingly explains (and I'm paraphrasing) in the song intro, we all share a longing to be known and loved unconditionally. But no one is capable of meeting all our expectations, nor are we capable of meeting all the expectations of someone else. It really doesn't matter though if no one loves us unconditionally because God loves us that way. Knowing our darkness and flaws, He loves us more than anyone else. There's nothing that we could ever do to make that change.
She is well supported in this effort by a band that provides somewhat sparse but solid backing. They provide just the right expertise while being unobtrusive. Ginny and the band had more than 100 performances before this recording, which gives the songs their lived-in feel.
Also included are two new songs: "Let Love Rule," a cover of a Lenny Kravitz hit that has a blues flavor; and "Live Once," a new studio song at the end, which is probably part of her new release planned for the fall of 2005. "Live Once" has the fuller studio sound but the song fits with the style of the others. It continues in the direction of piano-driven pop that has a jazz and blues flavor.
It would be easy to overlook this recording in anticipation of the new studio release. But Live from New Orleans is like a walk in the park on a beautiful spring day. You feel better for having made the excursion.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Joe MontagueThe latest creation from Ginny Owens is Live From New Orleans. Owens lends her smoky Mississippi voice to some excellent blues and jazz tunes recorded at the legendary House of Blues. If you are looking for that brash and brassy jazz sound, you won't find it here. Owens brings a much more gentle and subtle approach to her music, much the same as Norah Jones. Her skills as a pianist serve as a…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Brian A. SmithGinny Owens is one of those CCM artists that can surprise you: if you went strictly by her radio singles, she probably wouldn't immediately grab your attention. That isn't to say that you would change the channel, but that you wouldn't register the song and its performer until you heard it several more times. Suddenly, you come to a realization one day that you like this stuff. Live from New…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Burton WrayGinny Owens was one of the first artists signed to Michael W. Smith's Rocketown Records. Her rookie year ended on a high note after she won "New Artist of the Year" at the 2000 Dove Awards. Since first coming on the scene she has wowed fans with her sweet vocals, excellent lyrics, and great skills on the piano. She has also written songs for various other artists, including co-writing "Blessed"…Similar sounding releases
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