Tawnya LoRae

Tawnya LoRae

While Tawnya LoRae's ex-band, the late, lamented, all-girl Morningwood, really rocked, this decidedly low-key solo effort weaves its own spell with songs that stumble and fall, rise and saunter away. It may just be an Austin thing, however, as LoRae's sound recalls, at times, the work of songwriters like Will Sexton and David Baerwald. It's funky, loose, and meandering, yet inventive, organic, and melodic. Getting help from some of Austin's finest in Jon Dee Graham, Abra Moore, Mark Addison, Mike Hardwick, and Rob Halverson, the real stars remain the songs LoRae has crafted. Using disparate and exotic instruments like melodica, cello, bazuki, banjo, Wurlitzer organ, clarinet, and baritone sax, LoRae and producer Halverson create one compelling soundscape after another, which as a whole seems a song cycle of sorts. Some may find her vocals a little rough, just as they're sultry at times and slightly askew at others. All together though, The Bear Claw Incident is the rare album that you can totally immerse yourself in and feel its warmth.