I read about Terrie Odabi in a Smithsonian
magazine article by Touré, "Keeping the Blues Alive". She is
fantastic.
If I recall correctly, the point of the article is
that as much as we might associate Blues with the past, there are constantly
new artists coming up from different places. Therefore, it makes sense that
part of what is so compelling about Odabi is her freshness and vitality.
The tradition is still there. It's there in the
vocal inflections, and the bass lines, and all the things that make you listen
and know this is Blues. I appreciate her nod to an even older history through
her version of "Wade in the Water". There are also indicators of the
world-weariness that is so much a part of the Blues, despite Odabi's strength
and energy.
This is not my most familiar genre, so some of what
I interpret as novelty may be as much a matter of her origin in the Bay Area
instead of the Delta. More than that I think this is just someone who is
talented and powerful and thus she comes with life and fresh air in her breath.
My favorite track was "Gentrification
Blues". The problem it speaks to is not exactly new, though persistent. Starting
with primal beats and calls, then quickly bringing in a some funky keyboard,
the instruments are strong but they never detract from Odabi plainly and
rightly making her point. It's true and it's invigorating.
I feel like a lot of Blues fans will gravitate to
"Hold Up the Light", but in general 2014's Evolution of the Blues
and 2016's My Blue Soul are both strong offerings, and worth checking
out.
Otherwise, I think Portland's Waterfront Blues
Festival would be well-advised to try and get her here.
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