Bismeaux

When you have a voice as big as Carolyn Wonderland’s, the temptation to over-sing is always there. There are moments on Peace Meal – the second album that the singing, songwriting Texas guitarist has made with Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson ( Larry Campbell and the Monkees’ Michael Nesmith also contributed to the production this time) – when she succumbs. But, more often, you find her utterly and completely losing herself in ecstatic blues-rock performances – fiery here, pleading or entranced there, and so committed to the emotions that the lyrics take a backseat. Some of those lyrics are a swirl of idealism and indignance from Wonderland’s pen. The rest are well-chosen covers, ranging from classic blues to Janis Joplin obscurity. As for her guitar playing, it just so happens that her dynamic licks match her vocals.