Nanci Griffith: Intersection (Proper Records) (From The Northern Echo)

Nanci Griffith: Intersection (Proper Records)

5:25pm Friday 16th December 2011 in Country By Brian Clough

THIS album, due to be released next year, contains 12 songs including what I consider to be the anthem song titled, Hell No (I’m Not Alright), with a catchy tune and words relating to each and every one of us.

Nanci Griffith says of her 20th album: “It’s emotional for me, and it’s personal, and it makes my heart pound, thinking I’m going to be totally exposed here. I’ve had a hard life and I write it down.

Everybody seems to have an investment in the Hell No song and in the title track, as so many people are at the intersection in their life, with the way the economy is, with foreclosures and downsizing and for me this album is my musical crossroads.”

On many on the tracks she exposes issues in her private life. A track entitled Bad Seed is a cry of anger, a reflection on a parent’s dismissal, coupled with a daughter’s fear.

She says: “My father and I have been at odds for 15 years and Bad Seed is the whole truth and I can’t wait for him to hear it.”

The album is poignant and emotionally soul-searching, but always brilliant on vocal quality and musicianship. Griffith has provided the world with great thinking songs, whether selfcomposed or from writers she appreciates.