Stunning banjo playing and masterful storytelling, all hail Mean Mary’s latest studio outing.
Alabama-born (Mean) Mary James returns with her 19th studio offering. “Woman Creature – Portrait of a Woman, Part 2” is a varied collection of upbeat songs that explore “all the different personalities and parts that make us who we are”. Most tracks feature James’ virtuoso banjo, delivering frenzied bluegrass runs, quirky folk tunes and off-kilter swampy blues with equal skill. The vocal range on display here is remarkable considering that in 2004 after a car accident James was told she would never sing again. The unique style of vibrato is delivered with a clarity and power reminiscent of early Grace Slick.
‘Revenge‘ is a thunderous start to the album. It is a timely piece about cycles of violence and the all-consuming power of retribution set in a dark landscape ravaged by the spectral horse of the title. It’s followed by well-observed, quirky, character songs such as ‘Oh Jane‘, ‘Tarzan‘, ‘Mr. What a Catch I Am‘ and the energetic, banjo driven ‘Woman Creature‘. This is a potentially silly monster song that kicks off with wild howls and a wonky banjo – repeated listens however reveal a dark critique of societal perception, a theme James returns to in the co-title track ‘Portrait of a Woman‘.
‘Frozen Strings‘ is a fairy-tale folk song, and ‘Sweet Spring‘ a fine old-time dance tune – neither of which would be out of place on an early Fairport Convention album. ‘Murder Creek’ is the album’s stand-out number, a 20-verse epic murder ballad told with Nick Cave level sophistication over swathes of PJ Harvey-style guitar. The artist’s skill as a storyteller paints vivid scenes of gothic, rural Alabama and hints at dark deeds done in the name of love.
The album closes with the powerful gospel blues ‘Bring Down The Rain‘. No banjo on this one, instead Nomad’s delicate piano and James’ soulful voice are an uplifting combination. The track is a striking end to a diverse and captivating work.
