Carolyn Wonderland: Truth Is Review

A unique offering, Carolyn Wonderland’s CD, Truth Is, musically explodes the myth that blues is simplistic; one-dimensional. Covering almost every genre, from country to gospel, from rock to boogie-woogie to blues, the truth is this CD encompasses tunes to entice a wide variety of music fans. Her chameleon-like voice harnesses tremendous power and range, while her finger-picking guitar work ranks among the finest country blues players.

Her new album, Truth Is, is threaded with melodic, smooth guitar and keyboards throughout. With this, her 13th album, she also establishes herself as a soulful and meaning-filled songwriter. From catchy refrains to relatable personal introspection, this album has something for everyone. Ten of the 12 songs are originals but it also includes two covers, “Orange Juice Blues” from Richard Manuel, and “Wishful Thinking,” written by Greg Wood and Eddie Hawkins.

Besides building a now-extensive catalogue, Wonderland also spent five years with the late great John Mayall; the only female to hold the coveted guitar slot previously held by legends Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Walter Trout, and others. And, like them, her solo career has catapulted her into the upper echelon of blues-rock royalty.

This album is dedicated to the memories of two musicians whom Wonderland said, “Changed me for the better, and whom I miss dearly, John Mayall and Gene Taylor.” The latter is immortalized on the last song of the album, entitled, “Blues for Gene.”

Besides Mayall, Wonderland has paid her dues, having played with icons Townes Van Zandt, Levon Helm, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, Bob Dylan, and many others; clearly, soaking up the experiences to shape her own story and future. While she obviously appreciates the past and her peers, she openly declares her intention to be the master of her own destiny in the compelling, “I Ain’t Going Back.”

The album opens with a song that could easily top the country charts, entitled “Sooner or Later.” Featuring Wonderland on lap steel, the song is the first to be released as a single.

And as if Wonderland’s powerful vocals weren’t enough, she’s recruited help from Marcia Ball and Ruthie Foster on two tracks: The second track, “I Ain’t Going Back,” and then the title song, “Truth is,” an upbeat and immensely fun tune featuring some very fine guitar work.

Ball reappears on “Orange Juice Blues,” in which she also provides vocals and her signature piano, while Cindy Cahsdollar contributes lap steel to this track.

Notable on the album are the contributions of Dave Alvin, who doubles as producer and shares writing credits with Wonderland on the infectious “Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard Again,” the rocking “Tattoos as His Talisman,” and the solid and emotional, electric guitar-laced, “Blues for Gene.” He also provides electric guitar on these tunes as well as “Sooner or Later.”

Hammond B3 and piano are also featured throughout the album via the masterful contributions of Red Young, Buck Allen, Henry Herbert, and of course, Ball.

Wonderland manages too, to slip in some social commentary with a thoughtful ballad, entitled “Let’s Play a Game.” Clever lyrics penetrate Wonderland’s compelling vocals on “It Should Take,” “Flowers in Bloom,” and “Deepest Ocean Blues,” proving she can belt out a ballad one moment and transport you to the reggae-tinged tropics in the next.”

The Review 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Truth Is
– I Ain’t Going Back
– Sooner or Later
– Blues For Gene
– Tattoos As His Talisman

The Big Hit

– Tattoos As His Talisman