Dynamic vocalist andinstrumentalist Valerie June delivers 14 conceptually challenging, lyrically intriguing numbers on her newest release Owls, Omens, and Oracles. She's exploring the realm of spirituality, both in terns of personal beliefs and social impact. These songs espouse and celebrate expressions of joy, with June's vocals consistently engaging and exuberant. M. Ward's production neatly frames her assertive and sound and style, while integrating key contributions from sterling guests like the legendary gospel ensemble The Blind Boys of Alabama, whose rousing support puts an extra charge into the single “Changed.” There are additional contributions as well from another tremendous stylist whose material is all over the idiomatic map: Norah Jones.
June can be playful (“Sweet Things Just for You”), dazzlingly romantic (“I Am in Love”) and philosophical (“Trust the Path”), while many of messages across the record are about faith and resilience. The energetic pace of the lead single “Joy, Joy!” — which features June on acoustic guitar augmented by a tremendous set of horn and keyboard arrangements from Nate Walcott — sets the mood and defines the album's sensibility.
June offers her compositions and vision as an antidote to the cynicism and depression that in her view is choking so much happiness out of too many lives, making it even harder to make it through this exceedingly turbulent time. The LP is a delightful and distinctive sonic portrait of an artist who hopefully will soon break out in the manner her talent deserves.
Find Owls, Omens, and Oracles at your favorite record store, on your favorite streaming service or click through the Bandcamp embed to get a copy. Keep an eye on June’s Instagram for updates, and take advantage of your upcoming opportunities to catch her in Nashville. She’ll perform Friday, April 25, on the Grand Ole Opry (alongside Vince Gill, Charlie McCoy and more) and Saturday, June 7, in Centennial Park, headlining that day’s installment of the free Musicians Corner concert series.
