Helena singer/songwriter Judy Fjell has her 18th recording out, featuring guest performers on 13 compositions. There are drums, bass, violin, cello, flute, and trombone, while Fjell herself takes on guitar, harmonica, trumpet, and keyboards. There’s lots of help on harmony, too. All this makes for a dynamic, smooth sound.
Fjell grabbed a guitar as a teen, and when she began writing songs, she took the folk and women’s routes, soon appearing at concerts nationwide. She’s been a musical staple in Montana for many years, and conducts workshops, camps and music ministries, writing and teaching about causes she believes in.
As a self-styled “musical activist,” Fjell has sung for fundraisers, peace and GLBT gatherings, at fellowships and spirituality groups, and at concerts in Japan that counter domestic violence. And she gives music lessons at her home. Needless to say, Fjell gets her message across through her music.
“No Turnin’ Back” has a rockin’, finger-snappin’ beat and a missive to heal the planet, with women leading the charge. It cooks with a light flute riff; Fjell’s inimitable, vibrato-laden voice bends around the lyrics as she sings. She combines news stories in the danceable “Imaginary Lines,” a song about the borders that divide us (lyrics by Nancy Schimmel). The bluesy title song finds Fjell belting out how she is her own woman, “and I ain’t livin’ in no, ‘Nobody Else’s Dream.’” A silky, spooky fiddle fills out the background.
“Queer As a Three-Dollar Bill” is a hoot, all Texas-swing and jumpy. Its three-part harmony evokes the girl groups of the 40s. Fun! “Bless This House” is a quiet hymn, with lovely cello and violin. And in the only non-Fjell piece, Malvina Reynold’s “The Desert,” the guitarist finger-picks a soft refrain as she sings.
Fjell’s many fans will enjoy this album, and it’s sure to win new listeners too. Visit the artist at judyfjell.com.
– Mariss McTucker