Just bought the latest Gillespie/Atzmon CD from the appropriately named Albion Beatnik bookshop in Jericho, Oxford. Sarah's second album is another generous ladle-full of beat-pop, gypsy jazz (and whatever), from-the belt-singing. Echoes of Bessie Smith, Aretha Franklin, even Joan Baez. Lyrics for the literate and a musical cadence of jazz, middle eastern and folk that stream together like rushing musical currents. Excellent production, rawer and more intimate than her first.
Listening to it now, the song that stands out for me most is How the West Was Won. Reminds me of the best of Dylan. The lyrics alone are a powerful indictment of western imperial play in the ME from Guantanomo, torture, rendition and occupation; powerful words for a status quo that won't just fade away. Very highly recommended.