Jackie Bristow (from the album Outsider

Jackie Bristow (from the album Outsider available on Mesa/Blue Moon Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)

Some artists seem to arrive fully formed, and once established, appear as if they’ve been in the listening universe forever. Jackie Bristow fits those criteria and on her latest album, Outsider, she makes it clear that she’s here to stay. Both tender and yet tenacious, this latest set of songs from the native New Zealander finds she has easily assimilated into Nashville’s creative community.
While her new environs haven’t necessarily resulted in any real change of tack, they have given her the credence and confidence to pursue a career in an environment where the competition is obviously immense. That’s borne out by “Tennessee You Call Me Home”, a song that pays homage to her adopted environs with a Stax-sounding groove, one that verifies the fact that indeed that home is indeed where her heart is. She can be sultry and seductive as well — opening track “Livin’ for Love”, “Wild Cat”, and “Fool for You” being but three of the more obvious examples — while effectively turning the tables on the listener and establishing she’s commanding her turf emphatically and expressively.
Nevertheless, Bristow also excels at conveying beautifully balladry, with songs such as “Shakin’ My Bones”, “California”, “Rockin’ Chair”, “Never Too Late”, “Easy Road”, and “Without You” sharing a decided comfort and caress. That said, one song in particular expresses her adroit vulnerability — the aptly titled “Surrender” which finds Bristow weighing in with both resignation and reassurance. It’s a lovely lament that suggests sometimes it’s enough to simply take life as it comes and remain content to let it flow.
In addition, an astute team of studio contributors and backing vocalists add a decided luster to the proceedings, enveloping Bristow’s hushed vocals with the ambiance and atmosphere they clearly call for. That’s evident throughout.
Five albums on, Jackie Bristow seems to have created her masterpiece, at least for now. As the song “Never Too Late” suggests, it’s indeed never too late to start over. Bristow’s move to Nashville proved that point. If she’s the outsider she claims to be, it’s also clear regardless that she’s fitting in just fine. (By Lee ZImmerman)
For more information and purchase options, please visit the Jackie Bristow websit

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