Singer-songwriter Kim Richardson releases her second full-length album with True North, a varied collection of acoustic-based folk-rock with a strong country undercurrent. With assistance from an impressive mix of collaborators, including William Lee Ellis and Amy LaVere, Richardson stretches out from her sturdy folk base, pushing her vocal range on the wistful, warmly detailed “Cause You’re Mine” (“… in my mind”) and the urgent “Jump On.” Musically, she tries on different styles, going bluesy and grave on “Midnight, MS” or bluegrass-playful on “Devil on a Sunday,” while flashing some fingerpicked guitar on “Bury Me in the Sky” and the intimate “Virginia.” Another highlight is “Daughter,” a song partly driven by sideman Rick Steff’s piano fills where Richardson switches perspectives predictably but effectively. (“‘Cause You’re Mine,” “Daughter,” “Virginia”) — CH
Grade: B
Kim Richardson plays Otherlands Coffee Bar Saturday, December 6th, with Susan Marshall and Reba Russell.
