Happy Woman Blues
All too often dismissed as an immature work that was quickly eclipsed by her self-titled breakthrough on Rough Trade, Williams's second and final album for Folkways reveals much about her current lyrical sensibility and vocal approach. Most singer-songwriters, in fact, would give their Martins for songs as good as "Lafayette" and "Maria." That she reprises "I Lost It" onCar Wheels on a Gravel Roadand continues to explore this album's themes--the value of native ground and the endurance of loss--is enough evidence that, while not as overwhelming as the work to come,Happy Woman Bluesshould not be overlooked by fans of this vital artist.--Roy Kasten