April 2005

JUDITH OWEN
Lost and Found

Lost and Found is the fifth album from jazz singer Judith Owen. Smoky and simple, Owen's vocals are a blast from the past, when singers sang and producers produced. The lyrics, mostly written by Owen, are honest and reflective. Owen is joined by some cool folks as well: Keb' Mo' and his magical steel guitar make an understated appearance on "Train out of Hollywood" and Cassandra Wilson lends her pipes to "Enough." But I just couldn't get past that sultry voice. This could have been an entire record dedicated to the nutritional benefits of cotton candy and it wouldn't matter. The voice, especially on "Famous Friends," is splendid. I must have listened to this disc ten times and each time I picked another favorite song.

- Lance Looper