My Mother Has 4 Noses
Bad Dog Records
Producer: Jonatha Brooke
Score: 8 out of 10
This release is written as a tribute to Brooke’s mother, whose battle with dementia eventually claimed her life. Always the poet with a voice that can pierce the soul, she injects that into some riveting and haunting melodies. “Are You Getting This Down” plays setup, highlighting her mother’s wish to chronicle her life experiences. Without the back story some lyrics can elude the listener, but the emotions are there in spades. At times you miss the lush harmonies from her earlier recordings as part of the duo, the Story, but Brooke is still a prolific storyteller and consummate musician. – Ellen Woloshin