Cat No WMR96457

o Long-established US singer-songwriter, Cris Williamson’s latest album “Fringe” could be described as a concept album of women's lives in the American West (and her own upbringing). It’s full of catchy, well-written, feel-good songs - beautifully sung, played & produced - all written by Williamson herself, except two traditional pieces, plus a version of Judee Sill’s “Lopin’ Along Thru the Cosmos” and a Danny O’Keefe song specially written for this album.

o There’s a predictable country/bluegrass tinge to many tracks, with banjo, fiddle, dobro, harmonica, accordion, etc giving a rootsy backing - and a homespun poetry to the often nostalgic but realistic lyrics.

o Williamson publicly stated her lesbian status in the early 70’s - not that her music particularly reflected her sexual orientation - but in those days it greatly compromised her image and marginalised media coverage. Artists like k.d.lang, Melissa Ethridge, etc were able, in the 90’s, to be much more easily accepted as gay women.

o But Williamson persevered - releasing the hugely successful “The Changer & The Changed” album in 1975, founding her own indie label, and becoming a beacon for ‘women’s music’ - with a fan-base far beyond that. This is approximately her 23rd album, not including compilations.