Texas Platters

Jackie Bristow

Freedom

Maybe it's no coincidence that on the cover of Freedom Jackie Bristow resembles Silk Purse-era Linda Ronstadt. The New Zealander's soulful, dark eyes engage from the cover and her strong, lilting voice entices on the opening title song and the practiced, well-crafted country roots songs ("Holy Mess," "Broken Girl") that follow. Though Bristow moved to Austin in 2008, her expert accompaniment and production could use a little more Texas sizzle. That is what she's here for, right? A class act to watch.