Jessi Colter,
Out of the Ashes



Label: Shout! Factory

(4 out of 5)

Jessi Colter is perhaps best known today for being the mother of Shooter Jennings and wife of the late Waylon Jennings, but she ranked as one of outlaw country's biggest stars in the 1970s. Now, 22 years after her last solo album, Colter makes a triumphant return to the studio with Out of the Ashes.

Produced by Don Was, the album features a noticeably bluesy bent with "You Can Pick 'Em" (listen) and Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" (listen), plus the beautifully murky "The Phoenix Rises" (listen) and the austere "So Many Things" (listen).

While Colter's solo tracks are strong, there's no question it's a duet that's most likely to get people talking.

"Out of the Rain" (listen) features two verses recorded by Waylon Jennings, and a throwback country vibe straight from the late '70s. The song marks a significant change in terms of style and pace, but it's a fitting and moving tribute to the late legend.

Though otherwise missing from Out of the Ashes, Waylon's spirit is suffused throughout. It's no accident that "Out of the Rain" comes roughly at the midpoint, with the spirituals "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" (listen) and "Please Carry Me Home" (featuring Shooter on vocals — listen) opening and closing the album, respectively.

While she draws on her family's talents, it's unquestionably a Jessi Colter album. For fans new and old, Out of the Ashes is a gorgeous re-introduction after more than two decades away from the studio.

February 07, 2006