Ollee Owens – Nowhere To Hide
Self Release
11 songs time – 46:33
Canadian singer Ollee Owens injects her songs with grit and soulful energy. She makes her presence felt. She draws from the well of blues, R&B, funk, rock and a taste of gospel. The cream of Nashville’s top session players were assembled to create the inventive vibes to compliment the songs under drummer Bobby Blazier’s sturdy production. Ollie co-wrote eight of the eleven songs.
A swampy vibe permeates the title track “Nowhere To Hide” in large part due to the intertwining guitars of Will McFarlane and Phil Hughley, Gabe Klein’s organ washes and Ollee’s beautifully menacing vocals. She speaks of staying grounded amidst the world’s turmoil in “Solid Ground”. Her pleading voice will make you a believer. Rahsaan Barber’s sax and Gabe Klein’s organ and backing vocals are nice touches. Life’s ups and downs are addressed on “Some Days”, while offering a positive message. Her gravelly voice, soaring guitar and the backing vocals just swirl into an uplifting vibe.
Tommy Sims lays down a funky bass line under equally funky guitar and organ on the sinewy “Roots”. “Love You Better” taps into the soul music vein. It includes some nice electric piano bits. Swirling organ, ringing guitar and backing vocals support the pleading vocal on “Still In Pieces”. “Shivers And Butterflies” is driven by a funky good bass line. A slow Memphis burner. Ollie’s brash voice is shown in its’ best light on “My Man”. A cool, funky breeze is the best description of “Love Hung Around”. A horn punctuated dramatic riff is what powers “The Neighborhood”. It includes some nifty jazz toned guitar. Ollie truly pours her soul into Bob Dylan’s “Lord Protect My Child” as she is mother to a daughter with a cognitive disability. It takes on a gospel vibe complete with a churchy organ. Chris Rodriguez’s guitar and backing chorus enhance that vibe.
You would be hard pressed to find a more heartfelt and well-crafted slice of music as this. The various genres meld to create honest music. There is nothing here you could call blues, but it is there in subtle touches. Ollie’s voice reaches down deep to pull out every bit of emotion and the musicians reinforce her at every turn. If you aren’t moved by this recording, I would advise you to seek help.
