Hard-Headed Woman: A Celebration of Wanda Jackson (Bloodshot, 2004)
Various Artists
Reviewed by T.J. Simon
The tribute's best moments come during the disc's first half with tracks from Carolyn Mark, Nora O'Connor, Anna Fermin, Kelly Hogan and Neko Case. Robbie Fulks also delivers splendidly on the ballad"Tears at the Grand Ol' Opry." Jackson contemporary Rosie Flores knows as well as anyone how to properly interpret Jackson's countrified style on "In the Middle of Heartache."
The disc's second half suffers a bit with a failing experimental interpretation of "Fujiama Mama" from Trailer Bride. But all is well with the world by the time Wayne "The Train" Hancock scores with the incendiary boogie-woogie of "Let's Have A Party." Overall, "Hard Headed Woman" serves as a fine tribute to an under-appreciated American music legend.
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