Jazz Articles

Odetta: Lookin For A Home

by Mike Neely
February 17, 2003

In 2000 Odetta released a marvelous comeback album entitled Blues Everywhere I Go that was nominated for a Grammy Award. Her recent follow-up album, Lookin For A Home: Thanks to Leadbelly, is every bit as good, perhaps even better. A tight band has gotten even tighter and Odetta’s comfort level with these musicians is something to behold. Odetta has a remarkably expressive creativity as a vocal interpreter of the blues. Her phrasing extends syllables and words, pulling them up short, ...

Odetta: Blues Everywhere I Go

by Ed Kopp
April 1, 2000

Odetta's brand of urban folk inspired countless '60s musicians, not to mention thousands of civil rights activists. Though she's best known for reviving old work songs and spirituals, Odetta is no stranger to the blues. Still, her 1962 album And the Blues marked the last time Odetta recorded the blues with a band.

Blues Everywhere I Go is Odetta's first studio release in 14 years and one of the finest musical achievements of her long career. With 12 well-chosen covers ...