I'm able to do what I want without having to worry about how it's perceived. She mixes styles with the shamelessness of one who couldn't care less about labels, or about who someone else wants her to be. People clamor to be on labels and I just don't get it. I went to New York City way more than I wanted to and saw their big offices and how I was helping to pay for them. Love released three albums on her own Octoroon label before being picked up on a Putomayo World Music sampler album that sent her music around the globe.
Love is no stranger to reinvention, though.
She took up bass at age 25 to play in a punk band, Boom Boom G.I., because she figured that four strings couldn't be too difficult. As an accomplished musician, she exudes a gusto for life that many, especially neurotic artists, can only dream of. Her gig at this weekend's Folk Festival is another instance of serendipity, in which Tucsonans share in the good fortune. Rod Cook on guitar, drummer Chris Leighton, and Barbara Lamb on vocals and fiddle. With her newfound freedom, she's looking forward to touring more on the West Coast and especially Canada, which her former label didn't support despite her loyal following there.