Judith Owen: Lost and Found (2005)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: May 6, 2005

The intimate setting that singer Judith Owen adopts for this, her fifth album, provides a delicate platform that gets you in the door gently. Her soulful presence, backed by piano, bass, and drums, strolls casually with deep feelings. Every track is a statement about life and love, caring and sentiment, inner feelings and finding answers to our questions. Her songs come with emotional caresses, and they come with a built-in melancholy. The lyrics tell contemporary stories and offer much food for thought.

"Down" represents the plunge we take when things aren't going right. "Moonlight" paints a picture of the fascination that we feel on better days and nights. "Dreaming" questions our actions in time, adding thoughts about where we're headed. "Emily" tells the story about an old friend, and how she has affected others positively. Owen's songs provide questions and lead you to healthy answers.

With Keb' Mo', she paints a bluesy picture that takes a "Train Out of Hollywood" for a mellow ride, as she offers more sober advice. "Sky High" rides a swinging star that includes Tom Scott's smooth tenor saxophone fills,and closes with a luscious flute conversation. "Enough" pairs Owens with Cassandra Wilson in a steamy affair of the heart as they both moan about the way things often turn out.

While most of Lost and Found remains soulfully down and targets lonely hearts, "Bridges" stands out for its bubbling effervescence. Here, the singer departs from her somber theme and lifts spirits with a delicate bossa nova mood. Flowers bloom, shoulders start to move, and feet start to dance as Owens opens the room into a happier setting. It's one oasis in a field of overcast skies and pensive soul-searching.

Visit Judith Owen on the web.

Track Listing: Smoke on the Water; Emily; Sky High; Moonlight; Train out of Hollywood; These Foolish Things; Walking on the Moon; Famous Friends; Down; Bridges; Enough; Night and Day; Dreaming.

Personnel: Judith Owen- vocals; Tom Scott- tenor saxophone on "Sky High;" Keb' Mo'- guitar on "Train Out of Hollywood;" Cassandra Wilson- vocal on "Enough;" Richard Thompson- guitar on "Night and Day;" others.

Style: Vocal