Jude Johnstone
Album: Shatter
Label: Bojak
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.judejohnstone.com

Jude Johnstone came to my attention years ago, as the writer of early Trisha Yearwood material. That was just the tip of the iceberg, as she has also had songs recorded by such names as Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris and is highly respected as one of Nashville's greatest writers. One of the first to lavish praise on this CD was Rodney Crowell. I was excited to see she had released a new album of her own and, having heard some of her earlier material, was curious to see in which musical direction time has taken her.

Interestingly, she herself states that Shatter brings her closer to the gospel, blues and reggae tracks found on her early demos when she first arrived in Los Angeles all those years ago. The sound, however, contains a maturity and edge that can only be gained through the passage of time and experience. I wonder how she herself feels her sound has changed since those early days…

I was immediately intrigued by the title of the CD. As perhaps only a songwriter can, Johnstone explains that ''Shatter is about reclaiming your power by giving it up and looking deep at your shortcomings while finding the courage to change. The old self shatters in order to find a better self." If that doesn't make for an intriguing and inspiring release, nothing will.

I have tried and failed to pick favourite tracks; they are all so different and unique that it would be unfair. Instead, I am simply going to say that anyone who loves well written, intuitive music and lyrics, needs to have this CD in their collection, whether they are already familiar with Jude Johnstone or not.

Helen Mitchell